LONGITUDINAL KINEMATIC CHANGES WITH THE DIAGONAL STRIDE IN HIGH-SCHOOL GIRL CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe longitudinal kinematic changes associated with the diagonal stride in high-school girl skiers. An emphasis was placed on the poling phase of the movement and the stretch-shortening movements that can observed at the elite level. Four high-school athletes were videotaped once each year for 4 years. Angular relationships and kinematics variables were evaluated. Most athletes showed steadier trunk angles, and more consistent elbow extension in later years. Elbow angles decrease at the beginning of the poling phase, stretching the elbow extensors in the initial part of the propulsive phase. All athletes progressively increase knee angle during the glide phase but do not show a short but significant flexion just prior to pole plant and initiation of the “kick”, which was exhibited by the model. Coaches can benefit from angular analyses as their emphasis in training is often related to body positions during various phases of the movement.