Exceptional Performance in Competitive Ski Mountaineering: An Inertial Sensor Case Study

Kayser, Bengt; Mariani, Benoît

doi:10.3389/fspor.2022.854614

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…While racing strives for optimizing performance combined with light equipment ( Bortolan et al, 2021 ), as a recreational sport, skimo combines alpine and Nordic skiing characteristics and provides the chance for skiers to enjoy the outdoors in a unique and adventurous way. The physiological strain of skimo can be high, and racing was described as one of the most strenuous endurance sports ( Duc et al, 2011 ; Praz et al, 2014 ; Lasshofer et al, 2021 ; Kayser and Mariani, 2022 ), with high relevance of performance testing and analysis ( Menz et al, 2021 ; Schöffl et al, 2022 ; Zimmermann et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the physiology of ski mountaineering—A laboratory study

et al. 2023

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In ski mountaineering it is the goal to reach the top of a mountain by sheer muscle force. The specific equipment (flexible boot, only toe fixated binding, and a skin on the ski to prevent from slipping backwards) enables the skier to move up the hill ergonomically, where the heel part of the binding offers a special adaptation possibility. The so-called riser height supports the heel standing height and can be adjusted to individually preferred settings. General recommendations suggest using lower heel support in flat ascents and higher heel support in steep ascents to maintain upright posture and lower the strain. Still, it remains unclear whether the application of riser height affects the physiological response during ski mountaineering. This study was designed to investigate the effects of riser height on physiological response during indoor ski mountaineering. Nineteen participants took part in the study and walked on a treadmill with ski mountaineering equipment. The three available riser heights (low, medium, and high) were applied randomized at 8%, 16%, and 24% gradient. Results show that global physiological measurements like heart rate (p = 0.34), oxygen uptake (p = 0.26) or blood lactate (p = 0.38) values were not affected by changes in riser height. But local measurements of muscle oxygen saturation were affected by the riser height. Additionally comfort and rating of perceived exertion were also prone to changes in riser height. These results suggest differences on local measurements and perceived parameters, while global physiological measurements did not change. The results are in line with the existing recommendations but need to be confirmed in an outdoor setting as well.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the physiology of ski mountaineering—A laboratory study

et al. 2023

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“…But no power data is presented or discussed. Recently, Kayser and Mariani (2022) present the performance analysis of the uphill sections of a long-distance SkiMo team competition. Power values from 237 to 321 W are just presented but not discussed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulated Increase in Monoarticular Hip Muscle Strength Reduces the First Peak of Knee Compression Forces During Walking

Jolas,

Simonsen,

Andersen

2023

Journal of Biomechanical Engineering

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Reducing compressive knee contact forces (KCF) during walking could slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis. A previous study has shown that compensating for the hip flexion/extension moment could reduce the KCF peak occurring during early-stance (KCFp1). Therefore, this study aimed to identify if monoarticular hip muscle could allow this compensation while considering different walking strategies. Gait trials from 24 healthy participants were used to make musculoskeletal models. Five load-cases were examined: (I) Normal, (II) with an applied external moment compensating for the hip flexion/extension moment, (III-V) three conditions with isolated/combined 30% increase of isometric strength of gluteus medius and maximus. KCF, hip muscle forces, and joint moments were computed. A cluster analysis of the Normal condition was performed with hip and knee flexion/extension moment during KCFp1 as input to examine the influence of walking strategies. The cluster analysis revealed two groups having different hip and knee moments in early-stance [p<0.01]. The reduction in KCFp1 from the normal condition, although present in both groups, was greater for the group with the highest hip and lowest knee flexion/extension moments for all conditions (II: -6.03% versus -21.82% [p<0.001], III: -3.21% versus -1.59%, IV: -3.00% versus -1.76%, V: -6.12 versus -3.09%). This reduction in KCFp1 occurred through a shift in force developed by the hamstrings to the gluteus medius and maximus. Differences between groups suggest that this reduction depends on the walking strategy.

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“…Current Issues in Sport Science, 9(3), Article 005. https://doi.org/10.36950/2024.3ciss005 Ski mountaineering (skimo) is a popular outdoor activity that combines skiing and mountaineering, allowing skiers to explore backcountry terrain that is usually inaccessible by lift systems. Ski mountaineers often encounter steep and challenging terrain that requires adjustments to their equipment to optimize performance and safety (Fornasiero et al, 2018;Kayser & Mariani, 2022). One of the key components of skimo equipment is the binding, which connects the skier's boot to the ski.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recreational skimo is a strenuous endurance exercise which places high importance on comfort and efficiency to sustain this endurance exercise (Praz et al, 2016a). Previous research has shown that in skimo competitions, skiers maintain 80% heart rate max (HRmax) during skimo races (Kayser & Mariani, 2022).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Heel riser height influence on kinematics and muscle activity of ski mountaineering – A field based study

Turczyn,

Graham,

Lasshofer

et al. 2024

CISS

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Introduction The ski binding plays an important role in ski mountaineering. When traveling uphill, the binding has an adjustable heel height known as the riser. Previous laboratory research reported joint kinematics and kinetics are influenced by riser height, however little is known about changes to muscle activity associated with differing joint motion. The purpose of this work was to assess riser height influence on kinematics and muscle activity at different slopes during on-snow skiing. Methods Three female and nine male recreational ski mountaineers (19-26 y) were tested on 5o and 16o gradients using no riser (0 cm) and riser (5.3 cm) at a submaximal 80% HRmax. Each subject used Backland 85 UL skis and Backland Bindings (Atomic Skis, Altenmarkt, Austria). Subjects skied for 6 min at each binding setting with the last 10 gait-cycles evaluating lower limb joint motion gathered from 2D-sagittal plane motion capture. Electromyography (EMG) collected unilaterally on the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, medial gastrocnemius and triceps brachii also. Results 5o slope: hip range of motion (ROM) decreased (p = .003), ankle ROM decreased (p = .005), stride length decreased (p = .004), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased (p = .02) for riser compared to no riser. At 16o slope: hip ROM decreased (p = .001), and RPE decreased (p = .004) for riser compared to no riser. HR, glide distance, velocity, EMG, and net mechanical efficiency were not different between riser heights on either slope. Discussion/Conclusion Lower body joint kinematics, step length and RPE varied significantly with riser height. Kinematic differences did not impact velocity or muscle activity when controlling pace. These results agree with previous findings showing minimal differences in EMG and HR while lower body kinematics and RPE changed with riser height.

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Exceptional Performance in Competitive Ski Mountaineering: An Inertial Sensor Case Study

Cited by 6 publications

References 12 publications

Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the physiology of ski mountaineering—A laboratory study

Heel riser height and slope gradient influence the physiology of ski mountaineering—A laboratory study

Simulated Increase in Monoarticular Hip Muscle Strength Reduces the First Peak of Knee Compression Forces During Walking

Heel riser height influence on kinematics and muscle activity of ski mountaineering – A field based study

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