Age-related proprioceptive decline is not seen in lifelong skiing and snowboarding participants: Lessons for balanced active healthy ageing

Objectives

Ankle proprioception is important for effective human movement and thus active healthy aging. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) may be a contributing factor in proprioception decline. Proprioception and aging research indicate that there is age-related decline in proprioception, however, most research has been on activities conducted in flat, even, and unchanging environments. Thus, to support active healthy aging theory and practice across diverse real-world environments this research explores snowsports activities that are conducted in more dynamic environments and that may be participated in across the lifespan.

Design

This research used a cohort comparison approach to study whether regular snowsport participation (i.e., skiing and snowboarding) is correlated with i) age-related proprioception decline, and ii) proprioception deficits observed with CAI.

Methods

142 advanced and elite snowsport participants (age-range 12–70 years), were recruited over a two-year period. Participants completed a questionnaire that included: prior snowsport experience, ankle injury history and the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability scale (IdFAI). Lower limb proprioception was tested using the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Assessment (AMEDA) device.

Results

There were no significant differences in AMEDA scores between i) age categories; ii) those with or without CAI; nor iii) between females and males.

Conclusions

These results show that regular snowsport participation such as skiing and snowboarding, that occur in dynamic and changing environments, may i) protect against age-related proprioception decline, and ii) provide a rehabilitative effect for CAI. Thus, snowsport participation may be beneficial for active healthy aging and fall prevention.