FORCES AND MOMENTS AT THE KNEE AND BOOT TOP - MODELS FOR AN ALPINE SKIING POPULATION

The purpose of this study was to identify regression models to predict moments at the boot top and knee from the force components at the bin dings for a sample of skiers. Six subjects skied a slalom course, firs t with their boots set to the least stiff setting and then with their boots set to the most stiff setting. Six load component dynamometers m easured force and moment components at the toe and heel bindings. An e lectrogoniometer measured ankle flexion. Regression models were develo ped for the subject sample that predicted quasi-static moment componen ts at the boot top and knee from measurements of ankle flexion and the quasi-static force components at the bindings. Large anterior bending moment was not necessarily accompanied by large ankle flexion, which emphasized that binding designs and standards for injury prevention mu st account for forces and moments at the sites of potential injury, ra ther than limiting consideration to boot stiffness or forces at the bi ndings.