Kinesiology, Vol. 58 No. 1, 2026.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.26582/k.58.1.11
On the edge: Lumbar spine health and injury risk in high-level competitive figure skaters
Sanda Dubravčić-Šimunjak
; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Hospital “Sveti Duh”, Zagreb, Croatia; Libertas International University, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Marcela Romić
; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Hospital “Sveti Duh”, Zagreb, Croatia
Damir Mišura
; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Hospital “Sveti Duh”, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Sesar-Cirković
; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Hospital “Sveti Duh”, Zagreb, Croatia
Karla Lukinić
; Libertas International University, Zagreb, Croatia
Tena Šimunjak
; Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Hospital “Sveti Duh”, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and rehabilitation strategies for low back pain among high-level competitive figure skaters across singles, pair, and ice dance disciplines. A total of 194 skaters completed a detailed questionnaire assessing training routines, on- and off-ice activities, and history of lumbar spine problems. Results indicated that 33.7% of singles skaters, 41.1% of pair skaters, and 25.9% of ice dancers reported low back pain interfering with training regime or competition. Statistical analysis showed that inclusion of trunk stability, balance, and strengthening exercises in off-ice training was associated with a significantly lower prevalence of low back pain (p<.05), with core stability exercises demonstrating the greatest effect: 94.6% of skaters without low back pain regularly performed these exercises compared with 24.6% of those with low back problems. Statistically significant associations (p<.05) were observed between low back pain and the execution of technically demanding lifts and complex spins, whereas no such association was found for less demanding skating elements. All participants reporting low back pain received individualized physiotherapy programs targeting core stability, strength, coordination, and proprioception, which were associated with effective recovery and return to sport-specific activities. These findings highlight the mechanical demands on the lumbar spine in high-level figure skaters and underscore the importance of structured on- and off-ice training programs, together with targeted physiotherapy, for the prevention and rehabilitation of low back pain.
Keywords
figure skating; low back pain; injury prevention; off-ice training; physiotherapy
Hrčak ID:
348331
URI
Publication date:
30.6.2026.
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