## 4 Discussion  
The primary aim of this research was to address inconsistencies and gaps in the literature regarding the effects of balance training on alpine skiing performance. Specifically, this study sought to evaluate the impact of a structured balance development protocol for improving balance metrics, skiing technique, and overall athletic performance in young skiers. A secondary objective was to integrate wearable technology into the training process, leveraging real-time feedback and precise data to complement traditional methods and optimize performance outcomes. Furthermore, a tertiary focus was investigating the impact of the balance development protocol on static balance values and explosive force. A multitude of studies have emphasized the importance of dry-land training as a crucial component of skiers' overall preparation, yet the majority have focused on improving aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, and muscular strength. Investigations into the significance of balance in alpine skiing remain limited and have frequently yielded contradictory results. Some researchers have argue that incorporating specific balance training may contribute to improved performance [18; 19]. Several studies have indicated enhancements in both static and dynamic balance, along with improved postural stability [41; 50; 51] following different balance intervention protocols. These improvements align with our results by reinforcing the idea that targeted balance work can enhance certain performance markers. In contrast, other studies have suggested that experimental and control groups have demonstrated either similar improvements or failed to show significant enhancements in balance performance [52; 53]. These conflicting outcomes highlight the role of individual variability, differing training protocols, and sample characteristics in shaping study conclusions. The direct correlation of balance, as a critical motor skill in alpine skiing, with performance outcomes has been debated [12; 15; 16; 17]. Despite its importance in maintaining postural control under dynamic and unpredictable conditions, many training programs emphasize muscular strength and aerobic/anaerobic development. Our data suggest that balance training can be a worthwhile addition to existing protocols, but its overall impact may vary depending on factors, such as baseline ability, training history, and terrain conditions [22; 28]. Existing studies examining balance development in skiers under the age of 16 are scarce. A notable example is an investigation of an 8-week complex balance training program for 16-year-olds, which demonstrated improvements in dynamic stability and reduced asymmetry between the lower extremities [41]. However, the absence of a control group limits the generalizability and validity of these findings. Similarly, an 8-week neuromuscular training program for elite junior skiers [51] improved dynamic balance but failed to impact vertical jump performance. These discrepancies underscore the need for methodologically robust studies that elucidate the role of balance training in alpine skiing. Simultaneously, injury prevention is crucial and necessitates the appropriate strength development and physical conditioning programs. Although injury prevention and the mitigation of neuromuscular fatigue are central concerns in alpine skiing, the present study does not directly assess these outcomes. Future research could investigate whether improvements in balance translate to reduced injury risk or enhanced fatigue management, as suggested elsewhere [12]. Such links remain speculative in the context of our data and should be addressed in studies incorporating biomechanical or physiological measures specific to injury risk and fatigue. In our study, the experimental group followed various balance development methods, including neuromuscular training, core and upper-body stability training, proprioceptive training, balance equipment training, and pyometric training.