Combined sensorimotor and resistance training for young short track speed skaters: A case study

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a combined sensorimotor - resistance training on muscle strength and neuromuscular activation of selective muscles of the right ankle joint. Both treatments were performed successively in each training session. Seven short track speed skaters participated in the study. The training was performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Maximum peak torque during inversion/eversion, the associated neuromuscular activation of soleus and peroneus longus as well as eversion/inversion ratio were measured in a pre- and post-test, respectively. After the training the athletes revealed a significantly increased maximum peak torque during inversion (17.47 ± 4.37N · m vs. 23.57 ± 3.58N · m; p = 0.006) associated with a significantly increased root mean square of the EMG signal in the soleus (12.42 ± 6.09mV vs. 24.00 ± 9.37mV; p = 0.009). The eversion/inversion ratio was significantly decreased after training (0.96 ± 0.12 vs. 0.77 ± 0.11; p = 0.034). Eversion training adaptations were lower than inversion training adaptations probably due to the fact that resistance training did not contain an exercise for peroneus longus. Based on these the combined sensorimotor-resistance training is an attractive option for athletes where maximum strength, active joint stabilization and postural control plays a decisive role.