The aim of this study was to analyse how the kinematics of the knee joint adapts to the new torque situation when using wider skis in simulated skiing conditions. In order to perform these measurements a specially built testing device have been developed that enabled simulating at three different ski waist widths: 60, 90 and 120 mm. The results indicate that wider skis may cause larger external rotation and abduction angles in the knee joint which can lead to an increased injury risk particularly in dynamic situations such as skiing.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 4474289The aim of the study was to establish differences in positions of the knee joint of competitive skiers during a ski turn using skis of different widths. For this purpose an extensive data sample in real alpine skiing conditions has been gathered by means of full body 3D measurements on full course consisting of 12 giant slalom gates. By using the combination of knee abduction and external rotation on the narrower skis the skiers appeared to move the knee joint inward and towards the ground reaction force vector. The reason for that was probably the aim to reduce the knee joint varus torque. Using wider skies the knee joint remained in a more neutral position in transversal and frontal planes despite the possible higher varus torque. The reason for that could be the inability of the skiers to move the knee inward on the wider ski due to increased torques. As a consequence they had to use a different balancing strategy when using wider skis. The results indicate a potential for a higher injury risk when using wider skis.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 4475825The development of biomechanical systems requires detailed knowledge of a natural system, which was anticipated during extensive research in the project. The work includes an analysis of the natural process of the kinematics and dynamics in the knee joint in a laboratory simulation of motion through a ski turn. Measurements and analyses of the results are the foundation for the development of the prosthetic knee for ordinary two-track skiing for above the knee amputees. A dedicated testing facility was built, allowing simultaneous capturing of leg structure kinematics and surface loading rates. Changing additional vertical loads in the waist area, different conditions of performing a ski turn were simulated. Measuring the kinematics and dynamics of a control group of able-bodied skiers show that rotation in the knee joint is below 60°. Longitudinal force in the knee reaches values of up to 1.2 N/kg. Average vertical load in the knee exceeds 10 N/kg. The knee flexing/extension moment reaches values of over 1.5 Nm/kg. The presented laboratory measurements are comparable with those on ski slopes and represent the basis for the development of tailor-made prosthetic knees.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 13054235