Relationships between the skiing velocity and each axial force components on the ski during V2-skate technique in cross-country skiing

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between the skiing velocity and each axial force components on the ski during V2-skate technique. Fifteen elite cross-country skiers performed at their maximal efforts. Ski reaction forces were measured using specific ski sensors, the A/D converter, the transmitter, and the personal computer. The skiing velocity was recorded by the laser distance meter. Skiers exerted the skier generated force on downward in vertical, medial, and posterior directions in the coordinate system of the ski during the push-off phase. The peak force on downward in the vertical direction of the ski positively correlated with the skiing velocity. In contrast, the peak force on the medial direction of the ski negatively correlated with the skiing velocity. Those results suggested that cross-country skiers increased the skiing velocity by increasing the force on downward in the vertical direction and decreasing the force on the medial direction of the ski during the push-off phase in the V2-skate technique.