Biomechanical Study for Prevention of Sports Injury and Performance Enhancement of Cross-Country Sit Skiing

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K20008
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59020:Sports sciences-related
• Research Institution: National Agency for the Advancement of Sports and Health
• Principal Investigator: Sasadai Junpei 独立行政法人日本スポーツ振興センター国立スポーツ科学センター, スポーツメディカルセンター, 専門職 (20758221)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: パラスポーツ / クロスカントリースキー / シットスキー / バイオメカニクス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Double poling is an important fundamental skill required for cross-country skiing in able-bodied athletes and in those with physical disabilities. Meanwhile, the performance improvement and injury prevention related to double poling requires a thorough assessment, whereas the scapular and shoulder kinematics in different postural conditions remain to be clarified.
The study revealed that double poling in the sitting condition increased the humerothoracic and glenohumeral elevation angle to secure the poling margin. If these are excessive, there is a risk of shoulder injuries such as subacromial impingement.
In addition, the same analysis was performed on sit-ski athletes with amputated lower legs, indicating that appropriate sit-ski selection and adjustment may lead to prevention.

Free Research Field

理学療法学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

オリンピック・パラリンピックの自国開催を契機に、パラスポーツを通じた障がい者の社会参加が益々進むなか、スポーツを安全に行うための取り組みは健常スポーツと比べて大きく遅れている。本研究でシットスキー選手のポーリング動作の運動学的特徴を分析し肩関節痛との関連を調べたこと、また予防法の一端に言及できたことで、パラスポーツの発展だけでなく障がい者の健康増進にも寄与する可能性がある。