title: Biomechanics of simulated versus natural cross-country sit skiing.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanics of cross-country sit-skiing in simulated and natural skiing. Thirteen international level athletes participated in a ski ergometer test (simulated conditions) and a test on snow in a ski-tunnel (natural conditions) using their personal sit-ski. Tests in both conditions were performed at individual maximal speed. When comparing the two conditions the main results were: (1) maximal speed in simulated conditions was lower (p<0.05) but correlated well with the natural condition (r=0.79, p<0.001); (2) no differences in pole force variables were found; peak force (r=0.77, p<0.01) and average force (r=0.78, p<0.01) correlated well; (3) recovery time and time to peak did not differ and time to impact correlated with each other (r=0.88, p<0.01); (4) no differences were found in peak electromyography (EMG) and average EMG for Triceps, Pectoralis, and Erector Spinae; Rectus Abdominis did not differ in peak. EMG peak and average EMG of all muscles were correlated between the two conditions (r=0.65-0.94; p<0.05-0.01). Although some differences were observed, this study demonstrated that technical skill proficiency in natural and simulated cross-country skiing is comparable from a force production and muscle activation perspective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy; Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Electronic address: valeria_rosso@polito.it.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rosso
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gastaldi
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport and Sport Science, University of Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Rapp
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport Science and Kinesiology, University of Salzburg, Austria.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lindinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Vanlandewijck
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Linnamo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D056352:Athletes; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004576:Electromyography; D016552:Ergometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D012865:Skiing / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: EMG; Ergometer; Impairment; Paralympics