Research article - (2013)12, 151 - 158
Comparative Evaluation of Two Skiing Simulators as Functional Training Devices for Recreational Skiers
Fausto A. Panizzolo1,, Giuseppe Marcolin2, Nicola Petrone3
1School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
2Department of Biomedical Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
3Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

Fausto A. Panizzolo
✉ School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Stirling Hwy 35, 6009 Crawley, Australia
Email: panizf01@student.uwa.edu.au
Received: 26-09-2012 -- Accepted: 17-01-2013
Published (online): 01-03-2013

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to examine two ski simulators, Skimagic and Skier’s Edge, and to evaluate their efficacy as functional training devices for skiers. Vertical ground reaction forces, knee flexion angle kinematics and muscles activity were recorded on these devices and compared with those measured in similar condition while skiing on snow. Five ski instructors performed three randomized testing sessions (snow, Skimagic and Skier’s Edge). During the testing sessions, vertical ground reaction forces were recorded by means of pressure insoles in synchronisation with a portable data logger that collected values of knee flexion-extension and EMG activation of rectus femoris and vastus medialis. EMG activations and ground reaction forces measured while skiing on simulators were lower than on snow. Although less overall EMG activation was present on the simulators, the pattern of EMG activity was closer to real snow on Skimagic than on Skiers’ Edge. Results of the present study suggested that the two devices are not effectively applicable for strength training. However, based on the recorded EMG patterns, the Skimagic treadmill is potentially suitable to act as a functional training device for recreational skiers provided that an increase of speed and slope on Skimagic could induce a closer matching of the studied biomechanical parameters with the snow skiing conditions.

Key words: Muscle activation patterns, ski, ski training devices, eccentric training

Key Points
  • EMG activation and ground reaction forces were lower on both simulators with respect to snow.
  • Both simulators were not able to provide an effective contribution to strength development for skiers.
  • In term of functional training Skier’s Edge showed a predominance of concentric action over eccentric which is in contrast with competitive skiing.
  • Skimagic treadmill could be potentially suitable to act as a functional training device for recreational skiers only if an increase of speed and slope will induce a closer matching of the studied biomechanical parameters with the snow skiing conditions.








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