Université de Fribourg

Improved postural control after slackline training is accompanied by reduced H-reflexes

Keller, M. ; Pfusterschmied, J. ; Buchecker, M. ; Müller, E. ; Taube, Wolfgang

In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sport, 2012, vol. 22, no. 4, p. 471–477

“Slacklining” represents a modern sports activity where people have to keep balance on a tightened ribbon. The first trials on the slackline result in uncontrollable lateral swing of the supporting leg. Training decreases those oscillations and therefore improves postural control. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are not known. Therefore, the present study aimed to highlight...

Université de Fribourg

Spinal reflex plasticity in response to alpine skiing in the elderly

Lauber, B. ; Keller, Martin ; Gollhofer, Albert ; Müller, E. ; Taube, Wolfgang

In: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 2011, vol. 21, no. s1, p. 62–68

The present study was designed to assess the influence of 12 weeks (28.5±2.6 skiing days) of alpine skiing on spinal reflex plasticity, strength and postural control in senior citizens. Therefore, soleus H-reflexes and postural stability were measured during bipedal quiet and unstable stance in 22 (12 male and 10 female) elderly subjects aged 66.6±1 years. Furthermore, the maximal isometric...