Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation,
Faculty of Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey | [b] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation,
Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
Note: [] Corresponding author: Nilay Comuk, Department of Physiotherapy
and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara,
Turkey. E-mail: nlycmk@yahoo.com
Abstract: 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.
