INTRODUCTION: Strength and power are very important in ski racing so high quality training and testing of these qualities is imperative. High performance athletes in seasonal sports must have conditioning programs which include sport-specific technical aspects. Mechatronic systems utilizing mechanical, electrical, electronic and software components are commonplace in industry. Published documentation of robotic applications in sport science is rare, with the exception of isokinetic devices (Haddadina et al., 2009). The aim of this project was to develop a multi-axial mechatronic-based leg strength training and testing device. METHOD: The framework of the IM-evolution (evo) is an aluminium alloy (ITEM). The evo is constructed as a right/left leg independent system, each consisting of two synchronized servomotors for the horizontal and vertical plane (Bosch-Rexroth) connected to toothed drive belts and servo Controllers (KEBA). The evo operates with a programmable logic controller (PLC) used for automation of electromechanical input and output processes. Training and testing programs are written on a personal computer and then downloaded onto the PLC. The coach or training partner operates the evo with a handheld terminal with a 6.5" VGA TFT display (KEBA). A button on the handheld terminal must be activated in order for the system to function, and the servomotors will automatically stop if the button is released or pressed too hard. Regardless of the training and testing target power and position values of the individual axes can be automatically recorded and analysed. RESULTS: The introduced prototype allows for both single axis (horizontal and vertical linear movement) and for two coordinated axes (curves, circles and ellipses) active and passive training and testing (Figure 1). All movements can be done unilaterally or bilaterally with variable ankle/knee/hip joint angles. The maximum speeds of horizontal and vertical movements are 2.5 m/s and 3.3 m/s, respectively. Maximum load capacities are 4.8 kN horizontally and 1.6 kN vertically. Power values of the evo compared to a load cell confirmed the accuracy of the mechatronic components in both planes. DISCUSSION: The evo utilizes mechatronics allowing a multitude of ski-specific combinations of concentric and eccentric exercises. Modification of the seating position was the only suggestion from athletes after preliminary training. Isolated hamstring training in the vertical plane has much potential for injury prevention for ski racers. CONCLUSION: In rehabilitation robotic training devices have gradually become established to treat individuals with a locomotor dysfunction. In high performance athletes mechatronics can transform sport-specific training conceptions into reality. A training study with ski racers is planned with the evo for the next preparation phase.
© Copyright 2010 Book of Abstracts. 5th International Congress on Science and Skiing, Dec. 14 - 19, 2010, St. Christoph am Arlberg. Veröffentlicht von University of Salzburg, Interfakultärer Fachbereich Sport- und Bewegungswissenschaft/USI. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.