Effects of Hypopressive Exercise on Dynamic Neuromuscular Control in Female Roller-Skaters

Abstract

The effects of hypopressive exercise (HE) on dynamic balance have never been studied. We aimed to study the effects of a HE program on dynamic balance, posterior chain kinematics and expiratory peak flow on female competitive roller skaters over a 6-week training period. Twenty competitive female roller-skaters (13-22 years of age, SD 2.25) performed a 30-minute HE session once weekly before the regular roller-skating practice for 6 weeks. The HE program consisted of breathing and postural awareness exercises in addition to 5 basic HE poses performed three times each. Dynamic neuromuscular control was assessed with the Y-Balance Test (YBT), posterior back chain kinematics with the sit and reach test and peak expiratory flow rate with a digital spirometer. Paired t-test revealed significant differences between the measurement periods for all YBT leg directions and composite score (p ≤ 0.01). Significant differences were also revealed between baseline and after the intervention for the sit and reach test (p ≤ 0.01) and peak expiratory flow (p = 0.01). No differences in forced expiratory volume in the first second were found (p = 0.04). These preliminary findings suggest that a 6-week HE program could be a feasible neuromuscular option for training dynamic balance, posterior back chain kinematics and peak expiratory flow in female roller-skaters.

Keywords: Balance training; female athletes; injury prevention; respiratory function; skater.

Figure 1

(A) Y balance test anterior reach; (B) Y balance test posteromedial reach; (C) Y balance test posterolateral reach

Figure 2

Example of HE poses performed in in the standing (A), sitting (B), quadruped (C), supine (D), and one-leg lifted bridge pose (E) during the study.