Aktuelle Studien zu Entwicklung und Praxis der Trendsportart Slackline

Slacklining is an attractive sport for a wide range of people, from beginners to professionals of all ages. The rapid spread of the sport is mainly due to its mobility and independence of location. However, the use of attractive green spaces increases the potential for conflict between sports enthusiasts and local authorities. Conflict points include pressure and friction on trees used as attachment points for the slackline. With early control measures, the sport can be integrated almost without conflict. The Institute for Outdoor Sports and Ecology at the German Sport University Cologne was therefore commissioned to develop a concept for the sustainable and long-term successful development of the sport in cooperation with the Cologne Office for Landscape Management and Green Spaces.
In order to accurately assess the ecological impact, the effects of different slackline systems and attachment points on the stressed trees will be investigated. Among other things, sensor mats will be used to precisely measure the pressure distribution at the attachment points. Different tree species will be tested with and without tree protection. Based on the test results and existing knowledge, management measures for slacklining in urban areas will be derived. Each activity management measure will be preceded by a detailed inventory, needs and conflict analysis. Visitor monitoring and extensive visitor surveys are used to identify natural sports facilities and slacklining hotspots as part of the inventory analysis. For the needs analysis, the surveys provide important information on target groups and trends in the sport. They can also be used to identify the needs of different stakeholders for conflict analysis. Based on the sports tourism activity management of Roth et al. steering measures for the sport of slacklining will be identified. In addition to classic guidance strategies, such as signs and barriers, the possibilities of zoning and developing slackline parks are presented.
Based on the above research and the resulting concept, five slackline parks have been built in the Cologne area. The project work provides precise instructions for the entire planning process. It includes information on site selection, nature and environmental protection, safety and operating instructions.
As part of the research project, additional studies were carried out on the applicability of the sport. Biomechanical-kinematic movement analyses of slacklining can be used to make statements about the slackline as a training and therapy device. The results of different intervention studies in school sport indicate the attractiveness of the sport and the development of skills of participants in physical education. Based on this, learning models are presented that describe a possible organisational framework and numerous application examples. Another study demonstrates the improvement of balance skills in young cross-country skiers after 6 weeks of slacklining training.