Effect of ski mountaineering track on foot sole loading pattern

Area of Science:

• Sports Biomechanics
• Orthopedics
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Ski mountaineering is a growing sport with distinct ascending techniques.
• Understanding the biomechanical forces during ascent is crucial for injury prevention and performance optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between mechanical foot loads and different ski mountaineering ascending techniques.
• To quantify the pressure distribution on the foot sole during flat field, direct ascent, and traversing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an in-shoe dynamic pressure measuring system to record foot sole loads.
• Measured mechanical loads across six distinct anatomic sections of the foot sole.
• Subjects performed four different ascending techniques using standardized ski equipment.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in foot load were observed between flat field and direct ascent techniques.
• The valley side foot experienced the highest average mechanical foot load during traversing (117–179 kPa).
• Elevated forces were concentrated on the medial ball and longitudinal aspect of the valley side foot during traversing.

Conclusions:

• Ascending technique significantly influences foot sole load patterns, particularly during traversing.
• The concentrated force on the valley side foot during traversing may lead to increased stress on the ankle and knee joints.