Eight weeks of core stability training improves landing kinetics for freestyle skiing aerials athletes

Research on the champion physical fitness model of freestyle skiing aerials athletes in preparation for the Beijing Winter olympics

The objective of this study is to establish a champion physical fitness model of freestyle skiing aerials athletes, thereby enhancing athletes' competitive ability and providing a reference for scientific training and monitoring in the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics. Initiated with a literature review, the study proceeded through expert interviews and questionnaire surveys to determine the physical fitness measurement items. A total of 29 elite athletes voluntarily participated in the test. Using statistical analysis, this study developed a physical fitness model based on three key aspects: indicator, weight, and quantitative models. The results indicate that the indicator model encompasses primary indicators of body morphology, physiological function, and athletic quality, along with 11 related secondary and tertiary indicators. The tertiary indicators include lean body mass, waist/height×100, lower limb length/height×100, relative maximum anaerobic power, relative maximum oxygen uptake, blood urea, 1RM barbell squat, overhead barbell squat on balance pads, side throw ball, 30-meter sprint, and 12-minute run. The weight model assigned different weight values to these indicators based on their importance in physical fitness assessments. The quantitative model, developed through factor analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression, includes the champion physical fitness characteristics model and the performance prediction model. The champion physical fitness characteristics model uses box plots to visually present the physical fitness differences between champions and other athletes, highlighting the superior physical characteristics of the champions. The performance prediction model identified training experience, relative maximum anaerobic power, 1RM barbell squat, and overhead barbell squat on balance pads as key predictive variables. This model provides forward-looking training guidance and competitive strategy recommendations for coaches and athletes.

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical Fitness Parameters in Child Gymnasts: Randomized Controlled Assessor-blind Study

BACKGROUND

The improvement of physical fitness parameters is beneficial for child gymnasts to maximize functionality. Core stability exercises (CSEs) help maintain spinal stabilization during athletic performance. Thus, they contribute to enhancing gymnasts' performance on various movements and planes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8-week CSEs training on the physical fitness parameters of child gymnasts.

HYPOTHESIS

An 8-week CSEs intervention could be beneficial for improving the various physical parameters in child gymnasts.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

METHODS

Thirty-six child gymnasts (aged 7-12 years) were allocated randomly into a training group (TG) and control group (CG). Participants in the TG received CSEs in addition to the traditional program for 8 weeks. The physical fitness parameters of all participants were assessed twice before and after training.

RESULTS

The results showed that all participants' scores of balance, endurance, sprint, and jumping parameters improved after exercise programs (P < 0.05). The muscle strength and flexibility scores of the TG showed a statistically significant difference compared with the CG (P < 0.05). However, compared with other parameters, there were no significant changes seen in the scores between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The CSEs training contributed to the improvement of all physical fitness parameters in child gymnasts.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The addition of CSEs to traditional training could help improve athletic performance in child gymnasts.

Physical fitness characteristics of elite freestyle skiing aerials athletes

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the physical fitness characteristics of elite freestyle skiing aerials athletes, thereby enhancing the understanding of exercise physiologists, sports scientists, and coaches regarding the demands in this discipline.

METHODS

After health screenings, 29 athletes from the Chinese National Freestyle Skiing Aerials Team were divided into elite and general groups, including males and females. Physical fitness indexes were determined through literature reviews, expert interviews, and the Delphi method, followed by physical fitness tests assessing body morphology, physiological function, and physical quality. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Differences between the two groups were then evaluated using independent sample t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, after which effect sizes were calculated to assess the magnitude of the differences.

RESULTS

Significant body morphology differences were noted between elite and general groups in fat-free body weight, leg, and waist circumferences (P < 0.05). Male athletes in the elite group exhibited a significantly lower percentage of body fat (P < 0.05), whereas the reduction in body fat percentage among female elite athletes was not statistically significant. In terms of physiological function assessment, elite athletes demonstrated superior performance in both maximum anaerobic capacity and relative maximum anaerobic capacity compared to their counterparts in the general group (P < 0.05). Notably, the difference in maximum anaerobic capacity was highly significant among male athletes (P < 0.01), and the relative maximum anaerobic capacity among female athletes was also markedly significant (P < 0.01). Regarding physical quality indexes, elite athletes outperformed those in the general group in all aspects except for the quick v-up and 12-minute run tests (P < 0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Elite athletes exhibit superior physical fitness characteristics compared to general athletes, attributable to differences in age, years of training, and their participation in ongoing specialized physical training within structured, cyclical programs. Specifically, elite athletes demonstrated higher fat-free body weight, larger waist and leg circumferences in terms of body morphology. Particularly, male athletes showed a trend towards lower body fat percentage. Physiologically, they exhibited stronger anaerobic metabolism capabilities. In terms of physical quality, elite athletes displayed superior limb strength, lower limb explosive power, and specialized core strength, along with better speed, agility, and overall coordination.

Construction of a physical fitness evaluation index system and model for high-level freestyle skiing aerials athletes in China

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to enhance the competitive level of Chinese freestyle skiing aerials athletes by developing a specialized physical fitness evaluation index system and model tailored for high-level Chinese athletes. This system intends to provide theoretical references and training monitoring schemes in preparation for the 25th Milan Winter Olympics.

METHODS

A study was conducted on 29 high-level Chinese freestyle skiing aerials athletes. Physical fitness test indexes were selected using a literature review, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys, and athletes were tested. Athletes were ensured to be in optimal physical condition before testing. Based on the test results, the representative indexes of the evaluation system are finally determined by combining R-type clustering analysis, multiple linear regression analysis. Determine index weights through weight questionnaires and normalization, and develop evaluation standards through methods such as percentile counting and weighted scoring.

RESULTS

Physical fitness evaluation system for Chinese freestyle skiing aerialists includes three aspects: evaluation index, index weight, and evaluation standard. The evaluation indexes include 3 first-level, 11 second-level, and 11 third-level indexes of body form, physiological function, and physical quality. In the evaluation weight, physical quality is ranked first, and physiological function and body form rank second and third, respectively. The evaluation standard consists of a scoring evaluation standard and a rating evaluation standard. Based on the index system, this study constructs the general and ideal physical fitness model of China's high-level freestyle aerials athletes.

CONCLUSION

The constructed physical fitness evaluation system effectively represents physical fitness development status of high-level freestyle skiing aerials athletes, providing a basis for creating personalized training plans. The established model serves as a reference for athletes' physical fitness development objectives.