The purpose of this study was to characterise plantar pressure maps through the push start of top-level skeleton athletes. The push start is a vital component in skeleton to achieve success, and therefore, a focus on the performance characteristics of the push start could help to reduce the run time and increase the athlete`s initial velocity. Five international skeleton athletes each performed 3-5 push starts on a dry-land push track with wireless pressure insoles. Key differences in 2-d plantar pressure patterns were identified with a confidence interval of alpha<0.05 using statistical parametric mapping. This displayed a higher pressure-concentration on the medial edge of the outside foot through the full start and an anterior shift in the pressure-concentration during the acceleration phase. These results could be used for understanding start mechanics and to help support equipment choice.
© Copyright 2022 ISBS Proceedings Archive (Michigan). Northern Michigan University. Published by International Society of Biomechanics in Sports. All rights reserved.