INFLUENCE OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ALPINE SKIING SKILL ACQUISITION IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Regular participation in physical activity is widely recognized as a catalyst for developing the motor prerequisites necessary for specialized sports skills. This study specifically investigated the impact of regular, organized physical activity on fundamental alpine skiing skill acquisition in school-aged children. Materials and methods: Twenty children (9 girls, 11 boys; age 9.25 ± 1.65 years) were divided into physically active (n = 10) and inactive (n = 10) groups based on their participation in organized sports. Participants were assessed using a battery of ski school-validated tests for fundamental skiing skills, including dynamic balance, turning control, gliding stability, coordinated uphill movement, and the ability to edge the skis. Due to the nonparametric nature of the data, a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the performance of the two groups. Results. Statistical comparisons revealed no significant differences in age, height, weight, or body mass index between the active and inactive groups. Most importantly, physically active children demonstrated significantly superior performance in all fundamental skiing skill assessments (p values ranging from 0.001 to 0.007). Specific tests showing significant differences included the Forward Tandem Walking Test, Turning on Skis Test, Sliding Steps Straight Test, and Uphill Sidestep on the Slope Test. Conclusions. These findings emphasize the beneficial role of physical activity in developing skiing-related motor skills and improving alpine skiing performance in school-aged children.