Examining the relationship between physical fitness and performance in developmental figure skaters

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical fitness and skill related fitness compared to on ice performance of developmental figure skaters. Methods: A total of ten basic off-ice assessments were administered, including skill-related physical fitness tests of agility (T-Test, Hexagon Test), and balance (Stork Stand); as well as health-related physical fitness tests, including: flexibility (Seated Reach), muscular endurance (the One Minute Sit-Ups, One Minute Modified Push-Ups, the Plank), muscular strength (Hand Grip), and power (the Timed Tuck Jumps, Vertical Jump). On-ice assessments will include a speed test and acceleration test to determine skating ability, and assessments of four elements; the axel jump, the back spin, camel spin, and the sit spin. Subjects: Twenty eight developmental female figure skaters between the ages of 6 and 14 who competed in the STAR 2, STAR 3, STAR 4, or STAR 5 categories as outlined by the BC Section Competition criteria (part of the Learn To Train Stage of the Skate Canada Long Term Athlete Development Model) were recruited. Conclusions: Skaters in the axel group (n=9) performed significantly better in physical fitness tests of balance, muscular strength (vertical jump), muscular endurance (timed tuck jumps, sit-ups, plank), and flexibility (seated reach). As well, the axel skaters were stronger skaters (1-lap speed test and spin tests). Regression analysis showed correlations between vertical jump and the on-ice speed test, the 30-second timed tuck jumps and acceleration as well as the T-test for agility and the 1-lap speed test. ; Education, Faculty of ; Kinesiology, School of ; Graduate