Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen demonstrates balance improvements in an adult subject (Trevor Laak from iCoachSkating) using vestibular training. Vestibular training is any training that stimulates the body’s vestibular system which is the sensory system within the inner ear responsible for maintaining balance, coordination, and awareness of spacial orientation. Obviously all of these are critical components of figure skating. Furthermore, research has shown a remarkable relationship between the vestibular system and mood, emotional control, sleep quality, concussion recovery, and ability to learn, just to name a few.
Sheila begins by taking baseline balance and sway measurements using a BodiTrak balance mat and software. Measurements are made while the subject is simply standing on the mat without shoes, first with eyes open and then with eyes closed. The subject is then rotated first to the left, then to the right, and finally back to the left, with a short pause between to eliminate dizziness. Notice how slowly the subject is rotating in this training, especially compared to the rotation rates common for figure skaters. The subject wears a stationary harness system (Champion Skating Harness) for safety and is spun using an electric spinner (Champion Electric Spinner). After this simple “training” the subject is again tested for balance and sway.
As Sheila points out, the subject makes improvements in all measurements. The measurements are head sway, foot movement, balance, and head placement. With the eyes open, the subject had zero head sway before and after the training. But foot movement improved from 2.05 inches to 0.36 inches. Starting balance and head position was back and to the left, and it was still back and to the left after the training, but much closer to center.
Similarly, with the eyes closed, the subject improved in all areas. For head sway, it was 0.01 square inches before training and 0.00 after. Foot movement improved from 2.59 inches to 1.05 inches. Starting balance was slightly forward, and head balance was also slightly forward. After training, balance was still forward but closer to center and head position was dead center.
This testing (and tons of similar testing conducted by Sheila and others) suggests that vestibular training using an electric spinner and stationary harness is one way to engage and train the vestibular system, offering measurable improvements in specific balance and sway measurements. This suggests that figure skaters who already do spin training every day are likely to already be training their vestibular systems, but further balance and athletic benefits may be possible from consistent off-ice stationary harness spin training.
To learn more, visit Vestibular Training Services LLC.
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