Date of Award
8-1990
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Human Performance and Health Education
First Advisor
Dr. Mary L. Dawson
Second Advisor
Dr. Roger Zabik
Third Advisor
Dr. Robert Moss
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study described specific kinematic parameters associated with success on the international level in alpine slalom ski racing. Sixteen male athletes representing twelve countries comprised the subject pool. Subject selection was based on finish position in the men's special slalom at the 1989 World Alpine Ski Championships in Vail, Colorado. Cinematographical records were analyzed by a method known as direct linear transformation.
The findings of the study indicated that: (a) hip and knee joint angles of the turning leg must approximate 1.80 to 1.83 radians and 1.82 to 2.21 radians, respectively, for efficiency in this turn; (b) a decrease in right knee angular velocity and a consistent right hip angular velocity tend to be associated with higher right boot toe velocities; and (c) right boot toe distance from the base of the slalom pole correlated well with velocity. Although variable relationships exist, none of the dependent variables tested could be classified as more significant than the others regarding the proper execution of an alpine slalom turn.
Recommended Citation
Goodwin, David Andrew, "Kinematic Considerations of Elite Alpine Slalom Ski Racers" (1990). Masters Theses. 1041.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1041