The use of custom orthoses can cause significant improvement in static postural stability among advanced figure skaters, according to data recently published in Journal of Sport Rehabilitation.
Researchers studied seven advanced figure skaters who spent 6 weeks using custom orthoses. They found a significant reduction in center of mass sway at an average of 48.44% and in ankle joint sway by 45.7% during single stance balance measurements. Non-significant changes were observed for both knee and ankle joint range of motion during gliding maneuver.
Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed in order to generalize the findings, but study results suggest proof of concept toward the benefit of custom orthoses in improving postural stability in this group of athletes.
Reference:
Gurtej G, et a. J Sport Rehabil. 2015; doi:10.1123/jsr.2014-0330.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
