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EFFECT OF FIGURE SKATES ON SQUAT KINEMATICS IN AMATEUR FIGURE SKATERS

Abstract

Figure skaters regularly execute variations of a squat while performing routines. Squats are also used clinically to evaluate functional mobility and stability. However, it remains unclear whether a clinical assessment of the squat represents the same movement pattern as a squat with figure skates. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of figure skates on the squat kinematics of amateur figure skaters. METHODS: Participants (n=10, height: 154.3 cm ± 12.5, mass: 52.5 kg ± 19.8, age: 15.9 years ± 6.3) were collected from a convenience sample of amateur skaters with their own figure skates and at least one year of skating experience. After a standardized 5-minute warmup, seven unshod squats were performed. Unshod squats were performed with a heel lift equal to that of the participant’s skates to maintain consistency between kinematic models. Both squats were performed to maximal depth with the feet shoulder width apart, the toes pointed forward and arms flexed to shoulder height. Joint kinematics in the frontal and sagittal planes were analyzed via 9 inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the lower extremities and trunk. Comparisons between conditions were analyzed via group and single subject Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) t-tests (α = 0.05). Kinematic variables for the SPM t-tests were analyzed from 30° before to 30° after peak knee flexion and interpolated to 101 data points. RESULTS: Sagittal plane kinematics were greater in the unshod condition for the ankle (p = 0.03), and knee (p = 0.02), while squats with figure skates resulted increased trunk flexion (p < 0.01) and anterior pelvic tilt (p = 0.02). No significant group findings were found in the frontal plane. However, single subject analyses indicated that 100% of participants differed between conditions for ankle inversion, 80% for knee abduction, and 70% for hip adduction. In the unshod condition, 70% of subjects with differences increased ankle inversion, 66% increased knee abduction, and 57% increased hip abduction. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary findings suggest that squat pattern in the shod condition significantly increases trunk and pelvic flexion, which may place more torque on lower extremity joints. Additionally, clinical examinations of the squat performed without skates may not be representative of athlete movements performed in practice.

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