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Four Track Skiing - Testing Balance, Leg Strength, And Stability

Perhaps for most people, skiing is a wonderful pastime, but for others, it’s a form of physical therapy. People who had stroke, for example, do four track skiing. This activity allows them to work on their muscles and improve their condition.

Dr. Bill Butcher
Oct 26, 2022113 Shares2175 Views
Four track skiingis stand up skiing using two skis with two hand-held outriggers for balance.
In addition, students may use a variety of other stabilizing equipment.
It provides student with four-points of contact with the snow. It is also designed for those with leg strength and/or stability issues.
So, anyone who has those issues should try four track skiing.

Adaptive Skiing: Coaching Fundamentals for Four-Track Skiers

Skiing - Aid To Recovery

People with these impairments might use four track skiing:
  • cerebral palsy
  • multiple sclerosis
  • post-polio
  • spinal cord injury
  • stroke
  • muscular dystrophy
  • spina bifida
  • amputees
A male skier in colorful ski clothes skiing in Vail, Colorado
A male skier in colorful ski clothes skiing in Vail, Colorado

The Outriggers

Outriggers are metal elbow crutches with the tip section of a ski pivoted on the bottom of the crutch.
Some outriggers have adjustable brakes attached to the back edge of the ski to give some speed control.
Outriggers are used to aid balance and/or to give support. Outriggers are used by mono-skiers, bi-skiers and standing skiers needing aid with balance.
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