Abstract
A modular sensor application for measuring athlete performance in skiing sports was developed. Using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and load cells in a modular system, a force orientation measurement system, FOMS, was developed. A functioning prototype capable of measuring ski sports dynamics was created. Data processing using the system, a validation of the prototype in terms of angle measurement IMU accuracy, example data from in-field athlete testing, and visualization by animations are described. The system developed contains four subsystems: a controller, two pole measuring modules, and a terrain-measuring module. The system structure also allows for additional modules, making the system applicable to different sports. The IMUs use orientation-sensing components to measure pole orientations, which are used to calculate decomposed forces relative to the terrain. Data from different modules are synchronized using wireless communication and saved on SD cards with time stamps. A validation experiment was conducted in which the angles from the modules were compared with the Oqus motion capture system from Qualisys. Examples for athlete testing in both cross country and alpine skiing were calculated from the matrix provided by the different modules and are presented in graphs to evaluate the athlete. In addition, the relative pole/terrain coordinates are visualized in 2D and 3D animations for analyzing the movement pattern in connection with the applied forces, opening up a whole new level of sports analysis.
Highlights
IN sports science, the ability to describe sports accurately and objectively is key to further improvements
Using the force and orientation measuring system (FOMS) in addition to GPS, heart rate, lactate, and VO2 provides a thorough understanding of ski sports
Because a large part of the forces during a stroke is static and watts are calculated from both force and distance, not including the static forces, the FOMS provides an accurate understanding of ski sports kinetics and dynamics
Summary
IN sports science, the ability to describe sports accurately and objectively is key to further improvements. To complement traditional measurements, such as speed, time, heart rate, and lactate, understanding pole dynamics using force and movements would greatly benefit athletes, coaches, and researchers in performance analysis and product development. One solution is to use a mobile system that can describe pole dynamics to complement existing methods and technology. Ski sports manufacturers have made considerable attempts to make watt and force measuring ski poles. Prototypes available to coaches and athletes have not provided accuracy or functionality for. Financial support provided by Olympiatoppen, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, NTNU, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NTNU, and Ministry of Culture, Norway
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