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A multi-sensor system for automatic analysis of classical cross-country skiing techniques

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Abstract

Commercial systems utilizing data from inertial measurement units (IMUs) to analyse movement patterns have not yet been adapted to monitor daily training in cross-country (XC) skiing. The main purposes of this study are to investigate: (1) the feasibility and potential of a multi-sensor system consisting of a heart rate sensor, global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) data and seven IMUs placed at multiple locations on the body for outdoor XC skiing, and (2) the validity of employing hard decision rules based on the correlation between arms and legs for detecting sub-techniques in classical XC skiing. All sensor data were synchronously sampled and synchronized with GNSS data from a commercially available sports watch while XC skiing on varying tracks, from amateur skiers and world-class athletes. An algorithm based on the correlation of the angular velocity of arms and legs was developed to detect the three main classic sub-techniques, diagonal, double poling with a kick and double poling. Other sub-techniques were classified as miscellaneous (0–20%). The system is shown to work well outdoors on snow during different conditions, and the implemented algorithm was validated by video analyses to detect the three sub-techniques with a sensitivity of 99–100%. This study is the first to detect and link sub-techniques in XC skiing to GNSS data, thereby associating the detection and distribution of sub-techniques to different terrains. Such information gives insight into the technical and tactical aspects of skiers’ daily training and competitions, thereby providing a tool for coaches and athletes.

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Acknowledgements

This work is part of the emPower Project, an IPN Project in the BIA Program supported by the Norwegian Research Council and Madshus, Project Number 245622. We thank the skiers for their participation in the study and Madshus for technical support during field tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SINTEF ICT, P.O. Box 124, Blindern, NO-0314, Oslo, Norway

    Trine M. Seeberg, Johannes Tjønnås & Steffen Dalgard

  2. Department of Neuroscience, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

    Ole Marius Hoel Rindal, Pål Haugnes & Øyvind Sandbakk

Authors
  1. Trine M. Seeberg
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  2. Johannes Tjønnås
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  3. Ole Marius Hoel Rindal
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  4. Pål Haugnes
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  5. Steffen Dalgard
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  6. Øyvind Sandbakk
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Correspondence to Trine M. Seeberg.

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Seeberg, T.M., Tjønnås, J., Rindal, O.M.H. et al. A multi-sensor system for automatic analysis of classical cross-country skiing techniques. Sports Eng 20, 313–327 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-017-0252-z

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