Asymmetries in the Technique and Ground Reaction Forces of Elite Alpine Skiers Influence Their Slalom Performance

Background: Although many of the movements of skiers are asymmetric, little is presently known about how such asymmetry influences performance. Here, our aim was to examine whether asymmetries in technique and the ground reaction forces associated with left and right turns influence the asymmetries...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2020-10, Vol.10 (20), p.7288
Main Authors: Supej, Matej, Ogrin, Jan, Sarabon, Nejc, Holmberg, Hans-Christer
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Artificial satellites in navigation
Asymmetry
Biomechanics
Body kinematics
Downhill skiing
Energy
global navigation satellite system
GPS
IMU
Inertial navigation
Influence
Insoles
Kinematics
kinetics
Motion capture
Navigation satellites
Physiological aspects
Regression analysis
Skiers
Skiing
Skis
Standard deviation
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Summary:Background: Although many of the movements of skiers are asymmetric, little is presently known about how such asymmetry influences performance. Here, our aim was to examine whether asymmetries in technique and the ground reaction forces associated with left and right turns influence the asymmetries in the performance of elite slalom skiers. Methods: As nine elite skiers completed a 20-gate slalom course, their three-dimensional full-body kinematics and ground reaction forces (GRF) were monitored with a global navigation satellite and inertial motion capture systems, in combination with pressure insoles. For multivariable regression models, 26 predictor skiing techniques and GRF variables and 8 predicted skiing performance variables were assessed, all of them determining asymmetries in terms of symmetry and Jaccard indices. Results: Asymmetries in instantaneous and sectional performance were found to have the largest predictor coefficients associated with asymmetries in shank angle and hip flexion of the outside leg. Asymmetry for turn radius had the largest predictor coefficients associated with asymmetries in shank angle and GRF on the entire outside foot. Conclusions: Although slalom skiers were found to move their bodies in a quite symmetrical fashion, asymmetry in their skiing technique and GRF influenced variables related to asymmetries in performance.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app10207288