Date of Award

3-2020

Degree Name

MS in Biomedical Engineering

Department/Program

Biomedical and General Engineering

College

College of Engineering

Advisor

Michael D. Whitt

Advisor Department

Biomedical and General Engineering

Advisor College

College of Engineering

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Skier’s Edge: Biomechanical Analysis

Benjamin T. Johannes

The Skier’s Edge trainer can be used by novice or expert skiers. Testing was performed to analyze if the use of the Skier’s Edge could reduce in shear forces of the valgus moment on the knee joint and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) due to lesser fatigue of muscle and a higher hamstring to quadricep (H/Q) ratio activity. This leads to a reduction of improper form and an increase in balance. Experiments performed observed the change in muscle activity with the use of the Skier’s Edge over time when compared to other forms of workout (elliptical and or a traditional ski conditioning workout). Comparison of the three workout methods was completed by collecting kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic (EMG) data. Each participant, 9 male skiers (22±3 years old, 70.56±3.44 inches, 206±54 lbs.) and 6 female skiers (22±4 years old, 66.25±3.25 inches, 148±72 lbs.), were separated into even groups between the workout types. Data was collected initially and after a four-week period of exercise for each respective workout group. A relative valgus moment was found with the force and valgus angle data and an H/Q ratio was created using the vastus medialis and semitendinosus EMG data for the respective muscles. The findings of this study show that there were no significant differences between the workout types for either reduction of valgus moment or an increase in H/Q ratio which are indicators of reduced ACL injury. Trends in the data indicate that the elliptical workout may have a positive impact on H/Q when compared to the Skier’s Edge workout. Recommendation for future study includes having participants complete a more intense and longer workout period or to focus on the elliptical and Skier’s Edge workout to test for significant differences to aid in ACL injury reduction.

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