PLANTAR PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION AND FORCES MEASURED DURING SLALOM AND GIANT SLALOM TURNS PERFORMED BY ELITE SKIERS

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to measure plantar force and pressure distribution during slalom (S) and giant slalom (SG) runs performed by elite professional ski instructors. Three elite professional ski instructors performed three slalom and two giant slalom runs. All test trials were recorded synchronously with a video camera and a plantar pressure distribution. The total maximum forces compared between left and right foot for foot position during the turn are not significantly different. However, the total maximal force is about 1.2 to 2 times larger for the outside foot. The regional maximum mean pressure is applied under the medial aspect of the forefoot and the heel. This provides more steering control and forces during both types of turns. It should be noted that the inside foot has less steering contribution for S and GS turns.