Validation of temporal parameters within the skating sub-techniques when roller skiing on a treadmill, using inertial measurement units

PLoS One. 2022 Aug 18;17(8):e0270331. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270331. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method using inertial measurements units (IMUs) to determine inner-cycle parameters (e.g., cycle, poles and skis contact, and swing time) and the main sub-techniques (i.e., G2, G3 and G4) in cross-country roller ski skating on a treadmill. The developed method is based on the detection of poles and skis initial and final contacts with the ground during the cyclic movements. Thirteen well-trained athletes skied at different combinations of speed (6-24 km∙h-1) and incline (2-14%) on a treadmill using the three different sub-techniques. They were equipped with IMUs attached to their wrists and skis. Their movements were tracked using reflective markers and a multiple camera infrared system. The IMU-based method was able to detect more than 99% of the temporal events. It calculated the inner-cycle temporal parameters with a precision ranging from 19 to 66 ms, corresponding to 3.0% to 7.8% of the corresponding inner-cycle duration. The obtained precision would likely allow differentiation of skiers on different performance levels and detection of technique changes due to fatigue. Overall, this laboratory validation provides interesting possibilities also for outdoor applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Skating*
  • Skiing*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the AutoActive project (project number 270791), a research project in the IKTPLUSS program financed by the Norwegian Research Council. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.