An examination of joint kinematics with and without ski boots in collegiate alpine ski racers

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate differences in joint kinematics during single-leg squat and the landing phase of squat jumps among collegiate alpine ski racers wearing ski boots compared to tennis shoes. The total of fourteen markers were placed on a subject’s body bilaterally, and each trial was filmed by two video cameras to capture the sagittal and frontal views. There were significant differences in trunk lateral flexion, knee valgus, trunk forward flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion angles during single-leg squat tasks comparing the ski boots condition with the tennis shoes (gym shoes) condition. However, there were no significant differences during the landing phase of squat jumps. These results indicate that wearing ski boots may elicit different movement strategies during a single-leg squat task compared with tennis shoes. Therefore, it may be necessary for athletic trainers to have alpine ski racers to wear ski boots during rehabilitation and conditioning, as it creates more competition-like challenges and restrictions.