Biomechanics in Paralympic Sports; evidence-based tests for classification PhD Candidate: Valeria Rosso Tutors: Laura Gastaldi Vesa Linnamo 11 October 2017
force performance acceleration Introduction: Paralympic cross-country sit-skiing and classification process classification minimize impact cross-country skiing biomechanics IMPAIRMENT Paralympics disadvantages sit-skiers Yesterday Today Tomorrow Medical history Functional tests Evidence-specific tests Doctoral project aim: - assess the biomechanics of XC sit-skiing - Impairment-performance relationship
Project steps (1) To assess the biomechanics of sit ski athletes in simulated conditions (skiing at the ergometer) and natural (skiing on snow) (2) To develop a valid measure of impairment (4) To develop a standard device to measure impairment (3) To develop sport-specific measurement of performance (5) To assess the relative strength of association between valid measures of impairment and sport-specific measures of sport performance
Step 1: Biomechanics of sit ski athletes Methods Measuring kinetics (impact force, force peak, integral of force, and mean force) and the electromyography of upper limbs and trunk.
Step 1: Biomechanics of sit ski athletes Results Between simulated and natural conditions were found: - similar level of force generated; - longer poling and cycle time and higher integral force in simulated than natural condition; - similar muscular activity; - similar activation pattern even if a delay between conditions is present.
Step 1: Biomechanics of sit ski athletes Pubblications Rosso V, Gastaldi L, Rapp W, Lindinger S, Vanlandewyck Y, Linnamo V. Differences in Skiing Speed among Male and Female sit-skiers in Simulated and Natural Skiing. ICSNS 2015, Vuokatti 5-8 June 2015
Materials Protocol Results Step 2: Valid measure of impairment Methods and Results Measuring kinematics (trunk movements) and the electromyography of upper limbs and trunk.
Step 2: Valid measure of impairment Pubblications Balance perturbations as a measurement tool for trunk impairment in cross-country sit skiing Rosso V 1,2, Gastaldi L 1, Rapp W 3, Lindinger S 4, Vanlandewijck Y 5, Äyrämö S 6, Linnamo V 2 Under consideration for acceptance
Step 3: Sport-specific measurement Methods and Results Measuring kinematics (trunk movements), kinetics (impact force, force peak, integral of force, and mean force) and the electromyography of upper limbs and trunk and the electromyography of upper limbs and trunk. Results
Step 3: Sport-specific measurement Pubblications Benevento 15-18 May 2016
Step 4: Standard device for impairment Methods and Results Measuring kinematics (trunk movements) and kinetics (force peak pushing with and without back support and pulling two ropes).
Step 4: Standard device for impairment Pubblications Rosso V., Gataldi L., Rapp W., Lindinger S., Vanlandewijck Y., Gastaldi L., Fasel B., Pernot D., Linnamo V. Performance and perturbation tests in elite paralympic sit-skiers. ICSS 2016, Arlberg 10-15 December 2016.
Step 5: Relative strength association Impairment Performance Implication for evidence based classification
Conclusion At the end, this doctoral project would contribute to the development of a classification process for cross-country sit skiing, which is Operator Indipendent (Objective) Quantitative and reliable Evidence Based Repeatable