Kinematic Comparative Analysis of Short Turns between Skilled and Unskilled Alpine Skiers

Objective: The purpose of this study is to provide a better understanding of short turn mechanism by describing short turns after kinematic analysis and provide skiers and winter sports instructors with data through which they are able to analyze right postures for turns in skiing in a systematic, rational and scientific manner. Method: For this, a mean difference of kinematic variables (ski-hip angle, ski-shoulder twist angle, pole checking angle, the center of gravity (CG) displacement, trunk forward lean angle) was verified against a total of 12 skiers (skilled and unskilled, 6 persons each), regarding motions from the up-start to down-end points for short turns. Results: There was no difference in a ski-hip twist angle. The ski-shoulder twist angle was large at the up-start point while a pole-checking angle was high at the down-end point in skilled skiers. Concerning the horizontal displacement of CG, skilled skiers were positioned on the right side at the upstart point. No significant difference was observed in the trunk forward lean angle. Conclusion: According to the ski-shoulder twist angle and CG horizontal displacement results, the upper body should be kept leant toward the pole. In addition, big turns should be made via edging and angulation. During pole checking, the hand holding the pole should be thrown and released toward a vector direction of the forearm.