Orientation of body segments in ski jumps using wearable sensors: Analysis of relevant parameters during stable flight phase

Biomechanics analysis of the ski jump is highly required. Some parameters and their interrelations have been reported in previous research studies limited to few athletes. The generalization of these parameters to athletes of various levels and under training conditions should be assessed, since they have the potential to be used for daily evaluation. This study proposed a new 3D approach based on inertial sensors to evaluate relevant kinematic and aerodynamic parameters of stable flight phase. The proposed wearable system can easily be used for daily training. Aerodynamic forces and body segments 3D angles were extracted during the stable flight phase of 86 jumps. Then, their correlations with respect to distance as well as their interrelations were analyzed. Their combination expressed 55% of the total distance variance.