Development of an Automatic Alpine Skiing Turn Detection Algorithm Based on a Simple Sensor Setup.

Aaron Martínez,Michael Buchecker,Cory Snyder,Thomas Stöggl,Rüdiger Jahnel,Richard Brunauer

doi:10.3390/s19040902

Abstract

In order to gain insight into skiing performance, it is necessary to determine the point where each turn begins. Recent developments in sensor technology have made it possible to develop simpler automatic turn detection methodologies, however they are not feasible for regular use. The aim of this study was to develop a sensor set up and an algorithm to precisely detect turns during alpine ski, which is feasible for a daily use. An IMU was attached to the posterior upper cuff of each ski boot. Turn movements were reproduced on a ski-ergometer at different turn durations and slopes. Algorithms were developed to analyze vertical, medio-lateral, anterior-posterior axes, and resultant accelerometer and gyroscope signals. Raw signals, and signals filtered with 3, 6, 9, and 12 Hz cut-offs were used to identify turn switch points. Video recordings were assessed to establish a reference turn-switch and precision (mean bias = 5.2, LoA = 51.4 ms). Precision was adjusted based on reference and the best signals were selected. The z-axis and resultant gyroscope signals, filtered at 3Hz are the most precise signals (0.056 and 0.063 s, respectively) to automatically detect turn switches during alpine skiing using this simple system.

Highlights

The qualitative assessment of alpine skiing is necessary at both the recreational and elite levels.A deeper understanding of the different features related to skiing would allow for improved injury prevention or coaching efficiency
The maximum precision of our reference system was set as the difference measures ANOVA showed a difference between raters
The maximum precision of our reference system was set as the difference between the the maximum precision of the reference system is 51.4 ms

Summary

Introduction

The qualitative assessment of alpine skiing is necessary at both the recreational and elite levels. A deeper understanding of the different features related to skiing would allow for improved injury prevention or coaching efficiency. The differences in performance are very small, frequently only hundredths of a second [1]. To assess the specific details that lead to those variations in performance, it is necessary to reduce each skiing run into smaller units. Turns are the basic units of alpine skiing; and it is crucial to precisely determine when each turn begins [2]. The segmentation of skiing runs into turns would allow further enrichment of the data within and between turns The segmentation of skiing runs into turns would allow further enrichment of the data within and between turns (e.g., symmetry, edging angle, acceleration, pressure control . . . )

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