What Are Kinematic and Kinetic Differences between Short and Parallel Turn in Alpine Skiing?

• Main Authors: Ivan Bon, Mateja Očić, Vjekoslav Cigrovski, Tomislav Rupčić, Damir Knjaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: recreational skiing; biomechanics; pressure insoles; Xsens motion capture system; sport performance analysis
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/6/3029
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

There are numerous programs worldwide adapted for alpine ski beginners and they all share the same primary goal—inclusion of skiing beginners in alpine ski schools. The final elements of ski school taught in the parallel skiing technique are parallel turn and short turn. Synchronized analysis of kinetic and kinematic parameters of the parallel turn (PT) and short turn (ST) was conducted to determine the main biomechanical differences from a standpoint of foot pressure and lower limb angles. Both elements were performed by nine male ski instructors (age 33.4 ± 8.62, height 179.52 ± 5.98 cm, weight 78.6 ± 8.88 kg). Kinetic and kinematic analysis was conducted on 180 turns, 90 for each element. Differences in kinetic and kinematic parameters between parallel and short turns were tested by a paired <i>t</i>-test. The main findings of our study are determined differences in the ratio of pressure distribution on the inside and the outside foot and differences in kinematic parameters of the outside leg between elements. The mentioned analysis can provide an objective insight into the complexity of each element and provide guidelines for teaching process of those elements. This study determined the reasons for higher complexity of ST compared to PT based on the objective evaluation of biomechanical factors.