FOREFOOT BENDING STIFFNESS IN THE BOBSLEIGH PUSH-START

Authors

Jan-Peter Goldmann, German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Research Centre of Elite Sport, Cologne, GermanyFollow
Johanna Pohlen, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, GermanyFollow
Marvin Zedler, German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Biomechanics and Orthopaedics, German Research Centre of Elite Sport, Cologne, GermanyFollow

Category

Sports Performance & Elite Sports

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how forefoot bending stiffness (K_cr) changes with speed across the bobsleigh push-start. Kinematics and kinetics of 15 elite athletes were measured on an indoor track during different phases (Contact 1 & 2, 10 m, 30 m) of the bobsleigh push-start using a MoCap-System and three force plates. Metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) angles, moments and K_cr were calculated via MATLAB. In contrast to sprinting, maximum MPJ moments, moments at maximum MPJ dorsiflexion and K_cr showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) about the push-phase due to the inter-individual variations between the athletes. The forefoot mechanics of each athlete should be taken into account individually for performance enhancement strategies and the development of assistive devices like insoles or customized shoes.

Recommended Citation

Goldmann, Jan-Peter; Pohlen, Johanna; and Zedler, Marvin (2024) "FOREFOOT BENDING STIFFNESS IN THE BOBSLEIGH PUSH-START," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 42: Iss. 1, Article 166.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol42/iss1/166