SEDL / STP / STP1397-EB / STP12864S

Variable Influence in On-Snow Ski Boot Pressure Measurements

Goodwin, DA
Technical consultant and president, Alpine Ski Sport Engineering, Portland, OR

Ford, K
Biomechanics research/engineer, Novel Electronics, Inc., St. Paul, MN

Pages: 18    Published: Jan 2000

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Abstract

This study compared the effects of several variables with respect to measurement of kinetic data collected during alpine skiing. The Novel Pedar System, a portable, in-shoe, pressure distribution measurement system, was used to directly collect field data. One subject with prior experience as a national level racer participated in the study. Statistical comparisons were made between dependent variables, such as contact time, maximum force, and force-time integral, and independent variables, such as instrumentation position and turn type. The results demonstrate that there were statistically significant differences between some of the independent and dependent variables. The kinetic results show agreement with previous studies and are, therefore, useful as elementary input data for empirical models, which could help estimate pressure distribution along the running surface of a ski during skiing. When alpine ski properties, ground (surface) conditions, and boot loading are considered collectively, these models could be used to help ski manufacturers predict ski performance earlier in the design and development stages and evaluate “risk of injury” situations.