A comparison of the effect of ski sidecut on three-dimensional knee joint kinematics during a ski run

The popularity of alpine skis with large sidecuts has increased dramatically in the last few years. However, little scientific data exists regarding the effect of these skis on certain human factors. The purpose of this study was to compare three-dimensional knee joint motions during entire ski runs while skiing on two skis with a large difference in sidecut (Elan SCX and Elan RP90). Five, expert male skiers performed three runs on each ski. Three-dimensional knee joint motion was collected throughout each run using a portable, magnetic motion tracking system. Twenty-four turns from each run were analyzed for joint motion characteristics. The results indicated that no statistically significant differences in knee joint range of motion or angular velocities were found to exist between the Elan SCX and Elan RP90 during normal skiing maneuvers. Further research is needed on the effect of ski sidecut on knee joint kinematics while skiing on varied terrain and/or with different skiing styles. In addition, similar studies comparing the effect of ski sidecut on metabolic cost and effect on injury rates are also needed.