In this episode of the Race Ready Podcast, Andy and Brian sit down with Dr. Sharon Henry, Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita at the University of Vermont, to explore the intersection of neuroscience, balance, and athletic performance in Nordic skiing. With decades of research in neuromotor control and a unique perspective shaped by both clinical work and personal experience in the ski community, Dr. Henry offers an eye-opening discussion on how balance is developed, trained, and often overlooked in ski training programs. Her work emphasizes the importance of sensory integration—particularly the vestibular, visual, and somatosensory systems—as foundational to developing effective skiing technique.
Dr. Henry shares insights from a groundbreaking cohort study tracking elite skiers through preseason screening and injury surveillance. The findings underscore that injury history is a stronger predictor of future injury than preseason movement screens alone, and point to a need for more nuanced assessments of movement competency. She argues that many training programs undervalue true balance development and calls for a systematic approach to training balance—treating it not as a static trait but as a skill that can be built and refined over time through targeted exercises and neuromuscular challenges.
The conversation dives deep into practical strategies for coaches working with youth and masters athletes alike. From fun, developmentally appropriate drills for U14 skiers to perturbation-based balance challenges under fatigue for elite racers, Dr. Henry offers a clear, science-backed framework for integrating balance into regular strength routines. She also explores the effects of screen time, aging, injury, and travel on balance, leaving listeners with a powerful takeaway: balance is trainable, critical, and often the missing link between good athletes and great performers.