Construction of simulation model for cross country sit-ski

Abstract

Since the impairment level and remaining ability change depending on the athlete in cross country sit-skiing, the optimal sitting posture and shape of the equipment also change. Generally, the shape of the equipment is determined by improving the prototype based on feedback from the athletes, so it costs and is time consuming. In this study, a multibody dynamics simulation model which can calculate the kinematic effects of the equipment shape and athlete’s sitting posture was constructed. In the human model, hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints have degrees-of-freedom of motion and other joints are constrained. The sit-ski and pole models are constructed as single rigid bodies, respectively. The velocity, joint torques of shoulder, elbow and wrist joints and contact force were calculated when the joint angles were given. An experimental plan to obtain the data of actual pushing motion was also described.