The Relationship between Core Strength and Function in Elite Figure Skaters S.Nadler, DO, L. Yu, MD, J. Holmes, PT, K. Arbour, PT, R. Kruse, MD, M. Bradley, MD Core strengthening is commonly used in the conditioning of figure skaters. Despite extensive off ice training, it remains difficult to assess the impact of present day conditioning programs. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between core strength and coordination in a group of elite figure skaters. Three months after the 2001 US Nation Figure Skating Championships, 40 of the top 6 places winners from the novice and junior rankings underwent an extensive functional assessment. The examination took place at the US Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY over a 2 day period. Strength testing of the rectus abdominus, abdominal obliques, and quadratus lumborum was performed by 1 examiner. The skaters were then asked to perform a standardized Multidirectional Lunge Assessment, consisting of 6 different lunging maneuvers while standing on a one inch cushioned heel lift to simulate the normal skate height and attitude. Strength data was recorded dichotomously as either normal (0) or weak (1). All 6 lunging maneuvers were collected on both the left and right sides. Distance (cm) in excursion as well as the ability to maintain stability and control (yes-0 vs. no-1) was recorded for each test. (All six lunge maneuver consists of the skater balanced on one foot and bending the standing knee while extending the free leg in each of the following directions without touching down: forward (sit spin), sideways, sideways with external rotation, diagonally back (stroking) straight back and diagonally under the standing leg (cross overs). A significant difference in Lunge excursion was noted in the posterior and diagonal planes in skaters with weak abdominal obliques (p=0.05). In Juniors alone, the side to side excursion distance in the diagonal plane significantly increased with in those with weak abdominal muscles (p=0.03-0.04), while a trend was noted in novice skaters (p=0.06). In regards to control, the side to side difference in diagonal lunge was significantly correlated with the total number of control issues on the lunge assessment (p=0.017). This study demonstrates the possible relationship between core strength and lower extremity control in figure skaters. The cause effect relationships and the impact on performance needs to be further evaluated. The Effect of Eating Frequency on Body Composition and Athletic Performance D. Benardont, Ph.D, R.D., L.D. Current evidence suggests that eating frequency plays a major role in weight and body composition control. Increased meal frequency helps athletes sustain a constant energy flow to working muscles and, in doing so, avoids the muscle catabolism associated with energy deficits. In addition, evidence suggests that the consumption of small but frequent meals helps to control the insulin response to food, reducing the physiological impetus to store fat. The reduced fat storage associated with increased meal frequency has other ancillary health benefits, including lower plasma cholesterol and an improved HDL/LDL ratio. Athlete populations with delayed and infrequent eating patterns that result in large within-day energy deficits are found to have higher body fat levels that those with more frequent eating patterns. There is also beginning evidence suggesting that cortisol, a stress hormone associated with reduced bone density, is lower with increased meal frequency. While these benefits are clear, consumption of small and frequent meals superimposed on a training and performance schedule that is already excessively busy is difficult to achieve. For this eating pattern to be successful., it would require making easily manageable strategic and structural changes in the normal day that mandate a fundamental departure from the "three square meals" per day paradigm. Although this might be a difficult change to induce, there is a growing body of evidence that should encourage athletes and their coaches to try to implement a meal pattern that more closely mirrors that dynamics of energy expenditure. The potential benefits of doing so are becoming more clear: improved ability to sustain power output, reduced drag through better control of weight and body composition, reduced injury risk through the provision of more nutrients, and better hormonal control that inhibits the manufacture of fat from consumed foods. To lend clarity to this issue, our lab recently completed a study of 62 collegiate athletes and elite cyclists were randomly selected to consume either a 250 calorie prepackaged food or non-calorie drink three times each day between meals for two weeks. Outcome variables included Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IFG-I), energy intake/balance, body composition, profile of mood states (POMS) and physical performance (Wingate test X2). Findings indicate that a reduction of within-day energy deficits through between-meal snacking improves mood states, improves physical performance, lowers body fat percentage, and enhances the athletes` sense of well-being. Avulsion Injuries of the Pelvis and Hip in the Young Skater Clair F McCarathy, PT, MS The young figure skater in the dynamic process of growth and maturation is at unique risk for injury, particularly, to the musculo-skeletal system, Components of growth during early adolescence will be presented. This presentation focuses on the pelvis and hip. Avulsion fractures of the ischium, lesser tuberocity and crest of the ilium have been reported in single and pair skaters. Recently two skaters involved with synchronized skating were seen with similar problems. Case histories will be briefly reviewed. With the young skater, the importance of a parent or coach listening carefully to complaints of pain or aching, and asking the when, where and why is clear. Recognizing periods of growth and knowing flexibility and muscle performance requirements is important not only for a parent and coach, abut also the skater. Clinical tests for flexibility at the hip such as the Thomas Test, Straight Leg Raise and Popliteal Angle, and muscle performance (abdominals) will be reviewed. Standards for skaters will be suggested.