VIBRATIONS IN RECREATIONAL ALPINE SKIING: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between vibrations and the form of recreational skiing and/or if vibrations are transmitted to the body. We performed measurements with an inertial suit on one subject with above-average recreational skier abilities in three typical and different forms of skiing. Using the accelerometers in the suit we were able to calculate the power spectra of acceleration on the ski boots, knee joints, pelvis and the head. The results revealed that vibrations vary in various forms of recreational skiing and are transmitted from the ski boot all the way up to the skier’s head. The most pronounced vibrations were observed in shorter skidded turns, while slightly fewer vibrations were observed in shorter carved turns and the least in longer carved turns.