Comparative analysis of physical performance and educational value in artistic roller skating: a preliminary study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.119073Keywords:
Artistic roller skating, Physical performance, Educational value, Athlete perceptionAbstract
Introduction: Artistic roller skating is a complex sport discipline integrating physical, technical, expressive, and educational components. Despite its international competitive development, scientific evidence remains limited, particularly regarding studies combining objective performance indicators with perceptual and educational dimensions.
Objective: This longitudinal observational study aimed to analyze changes in physical performance parameters and educational perceptions associated with artistic roller skating in elite athletes.
Methodology: Thirty Italian athletes (15 Junior and 15 Senior; mean age 17.8 ± 3.4 years) were assessed at two different time points. Data collection included field-based motor tests evaluating core strength and endurance, lumbar and lower-limb flexibility, and an exploratory perceptual questionnaire (α = 0.81).
Results: Significant improvements emerged in several physical parameters. Junior athletes showed increases in sit-up performance, flexibility, and plank endurance (p < 0.01). Senior athletes demonstrated significant improvements in sit-up performance and lumbar flexibility (p < 0.01). Between-group analyses revealed higher plank endurance values among Senior athletes at both assessment periods. Perceptual findings highlighted a strong attribution of educational value to artistic roller skating and to the role of the coach. Significant correlations were also observed between self-discipline, stress management, and perceived personal growth (ρ = 0.47–0.55; p < 0.01).
Conclusions: Artistic roller skating appears to represent a complex formative environment in which physical performance and educational dimensions are closely interconnected. However, the findings should be interpreted within the limits of an observational exploratory design and a relatively small sample.
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