Descriptive comparison of three technique analysis methods in the context of cross-country sit-skiing: energy expenditure and gross efficiency, descriptive biomechanics and musculoskeletal simulations

• In parasports, technique analysis on how impairments and equipment affects athletic performance is important for classification. The purpose of this study was to compare three quantitative technique analysis methods: energy expenditure and gross efficiency, descriptive biomechanics, and musculoskeletal simulations for two cross-country sit-skiing sitting positions. These are: 1) knees higher than hips (KH) and 2) knees lower than hips with a frontal trunk support (KL).Five able-bodied cross-country skiers performed a sub-maximal incremental test and a 3 min maximal time-trial in each sitting position. During the tests, respiration, blood lactate concentrations, 3D full-body kinematics, pole forces and electromyography were measured.All three methods complement each other and by different parameters they all indicate superior technique in KH. Descriptive biomechanics showed differences in movement pattern, larger hip and spine flexion in KH. The method of energy expenditure and gross-efficiency capture both physiology and technique, showing lower anaerobic metabolism in KH. The musculoskeletal simulations showed how different muscle groups contributed to performance, showing higher contribution from spine and less in arms for KH. This study indicated why and how performance was enhanced in the human-equipment interaction, which is important for parasport classification and competition rules.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Idrottsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Sport and Fitness Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

seated double poling

kinematics

kinetics

inverse dynamics simulations

musculoskeletal modelling

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)