Fatigue-induced alterations in force production, trajectory and performance in alpine skiing

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Skiing Performance

Background:

• Giant slalom skiing demands high radial force for performance.
• Repeated high-velocity turns can induce muscular fatigue.
• The impact of fatigue on skiing dynamics and force production requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of fatigue on giant slalom performance.
• To analyze changes in trajectory characteristics under fatigue.
• To evaluate the impact of fatigue on skiers' force production capacities.

Main Methods:

• Twelve skiers completed a 4-turn giant slalom section under both FATIGUE and CONTROL conditions.
• Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of knee extensors was measured pre- and post-conditions.
• Section time, energy dissipation, path length, force application effectiveness, and muscle EMG were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Fatigue significantly reduced MVC (19.1%) and force application effectiveness.
• FATIGUE condition resulted in longer section times, increased energy dissipation, and longer path lengths.
• Interindividual variability in kinematic, kinetic, and EMG data explained performance changes.

Conclusions:

• Fatigue impairs force application effectiveness in giant slalom skiing.
• This impairment leads to greater energy dissipation and longer turn paths.
• Consequently, fatigue negatively affects overall skiing performance.