Inline Skating as an Additional Activity for Alpine Skiing: The Role of the Outside Leg in Short Turn Performance.

Vjekoslav Cigrovski,Branka Matković,Peter Šagát,Mateja Očić,Ivan Bon

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031747

Abstract

The complexity of skiing movements urges recreational alpine skiers and competitors to undertake many specific skill trainings not only during the season but also during the off-season using alternative sports. In AS, the role of the outside leg is crucial for successful turn performance. By measuring kinematic and kinetic parameters, we could define whether there is an objective similarity of the role and the movements of the outside leg while performing a turn in AS to those in the most used additional activity, IS. The sample consisted of ten female alpine ski instructors (age 31.6 ± 8.23, height 170.66 ± 7.32 cm, weight 60.16 ± 7.58 kg). Overall, 280 turns were analyzed (140 for AS and 140 for IS). For the purposes of this study, the variable sample consisted of 14 variables in total. For the detection of differences between short turn performance in AS and IS, MANOVA was used. The main findings of our study are defined similarities in pressure distribution during IS and AS and noticeable differences in the kinematic parameters of the outside leg between the mentioned activities. Based on the gathered results, recreational alpine skiers should be aware that IS cannot be used for the purpose of AS adoption, but rather as a dry-land additional activity for AS preparation.

Highlights

Alpine skiing (AS) is a specific activity consisting of complex and uncommon movements of the human body [1]
Skating turns were performed in sunny weather conditions in order to secure a dry surface
The hip abduction was significantly greater while performing a turn in AS than it was in inline skating (IS) (163.68◦ compared to 170.73◦ )

Summary

Introduction

Alpine skiing (AS) is a specific activity consisting of complex and uncommon movements of the human body [1]. Specific movements that a skier performs are transferred to ski boots, skis and the snow surface. Enables the alpine skier to steer the skis and complete turns [2]. In order to control the speed and direction during a descent, the skier has to maintain the optimal posture by timely shifts in the center of their mass, optimally applying pressure and utilizing GRF [3]. The edging angle is another important factor that secures the skier’s reliable support on the snow surface. If all of the abovementioned factors are considered, each phase of the turn will be successfully performed without skidding and sliding [4,5,6]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion