Effects of Learning Alpine Skiing Techniques on Postural Stability

Alpine skiing is a sport and recreational physical activity which requires fine postural control to maintain balance in challenging conditions. Theoretically, balance dominates in alpine skiing, but coordinated action of the whole body of the skiers is equally important. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of experimental short-term program of intensive training of alpine skiing techniques to postural stability (on Biodex Balance System) of students. The sample is divided into an experimental (31 students, age 21.4±1.0 and body height 180.7±6.3 cm) and control group (34 students, age 20.6±0.8 and body height 180.3±6.8 cm). The results of ANCOVA within variables for the evaluation of postural stability show statistically significant effects of the applying experimental program in all applied variables at the level of significance p=.000. From the mean value results (M) it is obvious that the experimental group achieved better results compared to the identical tests applied to the control group. The results of this research show that learning to ski can improve the ability to maintain balance, especially if it is conducted under the expert supervision of a ski instructor, which can have the effect of reducing the risk of injury.