The effect of muscular strength and endurance on technical skill in professional figure skaters

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of muscular and cardiovascular endurance and lower extremity strength on axel jump in figure skaters. Twenty national female professional figure skaters (age, 18.85 ± 2.70 years) at junior (n=10) and senior (n=10) competitive levels, performing figure skating at least for 5 years volunteered for the invastigation. Skaters were divided into two groups as being able to perform double axel (double axel group, n=9), and not being able to perform double axel (non double axel group, n=11). All skaters were evaluated on isometric muscular and cardiovascular endurance tests. One Minute Sit-Ups, 1 Minute Modified Push-Ups, Biering-Sorensen muscular endurance tests and Cooper 12-Minute Run/Walk cardiovascular endurance test were used to evaluate endurance. Jumping performance was evaluated by attaining axel jumping in the presence of a referee. Number of revolution that a skater succeeded was reported. The double axel group performed significantly better in the 12-Minute Run/Walk cardiovascular endurance, 1 Minute Modified Push-Ups, Biering-Sorensen muscular endurance tests, right knee extension and right and left plantar flexion. This study indicates that cardiovascular and muscular endurance as well as strength have an effect on performing double axel jump. Conditioning for figure skaters to enhance performance of jumping skill should include these components.