Effect of ski geometry on aggressive ski behaviour and visual aesthetics: equipment designed to reduce risk of severe traumatic knee injuries in alpine giant slalom ski racing

BACKGROUND/AIM: Aggressive ski-snow interaction is characterised by direct force transmission and difficulty of getting the ski off its edge once the ski is carving. This behaviour has been suggested to be a main contributor to severe knee injuries in giant slalom (GS). The aim of the current study was to provide a foundation for new equipment specifications in GS by considering two perspectives: Reducing the ski's aggressiveness for injury prevention and maintaining the external attractiveness of a ski racer's technique for spectators. METHODS: Three GS ski prototypes were defined based on theoretical considerations and were compared to a reference ski (P(ref)). Compared to P(ref), all prototypes were constructed with reduced profile width and increased ski length. The construction radius (sidecut radius) of Pref was ≥27 m and was increased for the prototypes: 30 m (P(30)), 35 m (P(35)), and 40 m (P(40)). Seven World Cup level athletes performed GS runs on each of the three prototypes and P(ref). Kinetic variables related to the ski-snow interaction were assessed to quantify the ski's aggressiveness. Additionally, 13 athletes evaluated their subjective perception of aggressiveness. 15 sports students rated several videotaped runs to assess external attractiveness. RESULTS: Kinetic variables quantifying the ski's aggressiveness showed decreased values for P(35) and P(40) compared to P(ref) and P(30). Greater sidecut radius reduced subjectively perceived aggressiveness. External attractiveness was reduced for P(40) only. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation revealed the following evaluation of the prototypes concerning injury prevention and external attractiveness: P(30): no preventative gain, no loss in attractiveness; P(35): substantial preventative gain, no significant loss in attractiveness; P(40): highest preventative gain, significant loss in attractiveness.