Postural Control Characteristics in Single Figure Skaters During Neuromuscular Tone Modulation

Postural control in athletes doing complex coordination sports develops under conditions of high sensory uncertainty and increased demands on precise body positioning relative to the support surface. In figure skating, posture maintenance relies on the integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive afferentation, with neuromuscular tone being a key factor determining postural control effectiveness and corrective movement efficiency. Targeted neuromuscular tone modulation is considered in scientific literature as a means of optimizing postural control mechanisms and reducing physiological cost of adaptation to training loads. The purpose of this study is to identify postural control characteristics in single figure skaters when incorporating neuromuscular tone modulation techniques into the training process. Materials and methods. The study involved 46 qualified single figure skaters (16 females and 30 males, aged 16–20, with at least 5 years of training experience), examined during the training process. Postural control was assessed using computer stabilography (Stabilan-01-2 system) in two-feet standing positions with both eyes open and closed. After baseline testing (midway through the preparatory period), the athletes were divided, using the comparable distribution method, into a control group (n = 23) and a test group (n = 23). The test group’s training program included additional targeted neuromuscular tone modulation based on post-isometric relaxation and mechanical stimulation of paravertebral muscles. After 3 months, the testing was repeated. Changes in spatiotemporal parameters of center of pressure oscillations and asymmetry coefficients were analyzed. Results. In the control group, postural control adaptation was achieved primarily through an expanded range of center of pressure oscillations and increased asymmetric regulation components, reflecting the compensatory nature of postural responses. In the test group, under the influence of neuromuscular tone modulation techniques, a more economical postural control strategy was formed, characterized by a decreased statokinesiogram area, decreased speed of center of pressure sway, lower corrective movement variability, and normalized lateral asymmetry.