Analysis of Carving and Conventional Ski Measured Pressured Distributions During Carving Turns

The purpose of this research was to evaluate and compare the pressure distribution inside the ski boot between carving skis and conventional skis during a carving turn in order to determine their relationship to injuries such as knee injuries. Two subjects with prior experience as national level racers participated in the study. Two carving racers performed several test runs on a moderately steep 20 degree and well-prepared slope with both carving skis and conventional skis. The Orthopedic Measuring System for Static and Dynamic Pressure Measurements (ORMES) was used to directly collect field data. Recording and analysis were performed by three senior coaches using two synchronized Sony 3-CCD video cameras and ORMES during a carving turn with a carving ski and conventional ski. After evaluation of the kinematic data and dynamic measurements, the center of pressure (COP) trace along the boot sole during the carving turn with the carving ski located the instantaneous position more rear ward compared to the conventional ski. This means that the carving ski experiences more weight in the back compared with a conventional ski, due to the increased potential for catching an inside ski edge, the carving ski may increase the risk of phantom foot anterior cruciate ligament injury. With respect to safety, the lower and more specifically articulated center of gravity demands a better sagittal balancing ability as well as improved edging behavior to stay centrally positioned over the ski.