Reliability and sensitivity of a novel dynamic balance test for alpine skiers

• Novel dynamic balance test is sensitive to alpine skier’s expertise level.
• Application of cross correlation method for analysing rhythmic COP movements.
• Trained alpine skiers present superior balance with an additional loading.
• Trained alpine skiers are more accurate in controlling lateral COM shift.

Goal of this study was to present a new alpine skiing specific dynamic balance test and assess its reliability and sensitivity. Twelve trained and twenty-two non-trained skiers participated in the study. Both groups performed a dynamic lateral weight shift task in a semi-squat position, pursuing a predefined trajectory with their centre of pressure. The task was done without and with two different additional loads. Inter-session reliability was assessed only for the non-trained gorup. The alpine specific balance test proved to have moderate reliability and was sensitive to the training status as well as to the different weight conditions. This study showed that new alpine specific balance test is reliable and sensitive to the expert level of skiing and training status.