Analysis of the pushing phase in Paralympic cross-country sit-skiers – Class LW10

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Gastaldi

Rapp

et al. 2019

Self Cite

In crosscountry sit-skiing, the trunk plays a crucial role in propulsion generation and balance maintenance. Trunk stability is evaluated by automatic responses to unpredictable perturbations; however electromyography is challenging. The aim of this study is to identify a measure to group sit-skiers according to their ability to control the trunk. Seated in their competitive sit-ski, ten male and five female Paralympic sit-skiers received six forward and six backward unpredictable perturbations in random order. k-means clustered trunk position at rest, delay to invert the trunk motion, and trunk range of motion significantly into two groups. In conclusion, unpredictable perturbations might quantify trunk impairment and may become an important tool in the development of an evidence-based classification system for crosscountry sit-skiers.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Balance Perturbations as a Measurement Tool for Trunk Impairment in Cross-Country Sit Skiing

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Gastaldi

Rapp

et al. 2019

Self Cite

“…8 Athletes with high impact of impairment mainly obtain trunk flexion, taking advantage of the gravity and extension using compensation mechanisms that use inertia of the upper body. 11 XC sit-skiing performance has previously been measured on snow in terms of physical fitness: aerobic power, anaerobic capacity, and upper-body muscle strength. 12 In addition, performance has been evaluated by means of cycle characteristics: cycle duration, cycle length, and duty cycle 13 and by 2D-joint kinematics: elbow, shoulder, and trunk angles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…8 Athletes with high impact of impairment mainly obtain trunk flexion, taking advantage of the gravity and extension using compensation mechanisms that use inertia of the upper body. 11…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulated skiing as a measurement tool for performance in cross-country sit-skiing

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P:

Linnamo

Rapp³

et al. 2019

Self Cite

The International Paralympic Committee mandates the development of an evidence-based classification system, which requires a measure of performance. Performance in cross-country sit-skiing is mainly dependent on force generated during the poling phase and is enhanced by trunk flexion–extension movements. Since all sit-skiers have neuromuscular impairment, but different ability to control the trunk, this study aimed to verify if simulated action of poling on an adapted ergometer, together with a cluster analysis, could be used for grouping participants with different impairments according to their performance. On the ergometer, eight male and five female participants performed seven poling cycles at maximal speed, while sitting on personal sit-ski. Based on maximal speed, generated force, cycle characteristics, and trunk kinematics, cluster analysis divided participants into three groups showing good accuracy, sensitivity, and precision. Although a validation of this exploratory study is necessary, skiing on the ergometer could be considered as sport-specific measure of performance and may become an interesting tool in the development of an evidence-based classification system for cross-country sit-skiing.

“…The trunk angle-h and trunk angle-s were both evaluated because the trunk has a major role in propulsion; however, athletes lacking abdominal muscles may use their heads to increase their propulsion. 25 To evaluate the contribution in propulsion of the trunk and head together, the trunk rom-h was calculated for trunk h , whereas to evaluate the contribution of the trunk only, the trunk rom-s was calculated for trunk s .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laboratory and on ice tests to evaluate kinematics of Para ice hockey players

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P:

Cinus

Gastaldi

2020

Self Cite

Sprint and technique abilities of Para ice hockey players are of great importance to increase skating performance. To assess skating abilities, kinematics is widely used. This study had two purposes: (1) to assess two-dimensional kinematics of Para ice hockey players’ performance in the laboratory and on ice (sprint and agility) tests and (2) to quantify the relationship between the laboratory and on ice performance. Seven athletes were recruited. In the laboratory, three alternated reach tests were performed in which athletes touched the ground as many times as possible with hands, elbows, or shoulders. The sprint test consisted of 30-m skating at the highest speed starting from standstill, whereas the agility test consisted of sprinting for four left curves and four right curves. Athletes’ movements in the laboratory and on ice tests were acquired using a portable technology. In the laboratory, the best performance was realized when participants touched the ground with hand or elbow. In the sprint test, lower speed and trunk inclination were observed in the first 10 m. In the agility test, greater blade angle was observed in the left curves, compared with the right curves. Significant correlations were found between the laboratory and on ice test performance. Overall, these findings are a useful indicator of athletes’ skating abilities and could be used to increase athletes’ ability to accelerate rapidly and improve sledge manoeuvrability. For detailed player information, kinematics should still be evaluated using sport specific tests and video analysis.