Sense-Control Training of Ground Reaction Force in Acquiring
Mountain Bike Cornering Skills

Abstract

Sense-control (SC) training of ground reaction force when acquiring cornering skills was investigated. SC training can facilitate internal-standardization in the sense-control of loading and reaction forces in the direction of the resultant vector of inertia and gravity. Conversely, conventional (C) training cannot do so because it is based on external criteria given by instructors. Male participants (n=6) of identical skill levels were equally divided into two groups. In Experiment 1, Group A practiced SC training and Group B repeated C training. In Experiment 2, Group A had no training, such that retention could be assessed, whereas Group B practiced SC training to reconfirm its effects. The relevant skills in both groups were analyzed using the riding time of slalom, inward lean angle of the trunk, riding time on a straight 30m course, and cornering sense scores. The results of Experiment 1 showed significant positive effects of SC training on Group A compared to Group B, as indicated by above measures. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that Group A retained the shorter riding time of slalom, whereas after SC training, Group B showed the same riding time of slalom as Group A. We suggested that SC training facilitates acquiring balancing skills in the trunk-skill system by using internal-criteria as combination of sense-control factors. It is concluded that SC training is more effective for acquisition of the relevant skills than C training.