Modifiable Factors
Many factors are modifiable such as strength, flexibility and fitness level. Careful attention to these factors is an essential part of injury prevention. Minimizing the stressors to joints and tissues through correct technique and pattern of movement is protective against injury. Proper technique allows development of accurate neuromuscular control and coordination. Tis leads to balanced muscle strength around the joints creating stability and biomechanically sound movement patterns. Ensuring that skaters are properly fueling their bodies with good nutrition plays a role in injury prevention. Coaches should develop a strategy to manage training while considering each skater’s status of growth, strength and flexibility. Managing training might include modifying time on the ice, what skills are trained and decreasing volume of jump repetitions. One of the most common issues for skaters is a pattern of
muscle tightness and weakness that creates an issue with spinal alignment. Tightness in the hip flexor muscles forces the spine into an extended or sway back position. Weakness of the lower abdominal muscles and small muscles around the spine fail to stabilize the position of the spine. Tis causes significant stress on the bones of the spine creating a risk of stress fracture in
the back especially as skaters try to achieve extreme positions. Incorrect spinal alignment and stability will also increase the physical stress to the low back during jump landings. Coaches play a central role in injury prevention through
careful assessment of the individual skater. Teaching development of sound skating skills, edges, control and stability is the foundation to prevent injury. Awareness of a skater’s fitness needs, especially through the growth spurt, is essential. Remind yourselves, skaters and parents about long-term development for safe, healthy and successful skating!
Dr. Ellen Geminiani is a practicing physician and faculty member in the division of sports medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has served as a Team USA physician since 1995 and is chair of the U.S. Figure Skating Sports Science & Medicine Committee. Her skating credentials include: USFSA gold medalist in figures and
freestyle, pre-gold dance level and Adult Eastern Dance champion.
ISI EDGE SPRING 2016
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