The limits of aerial twisting techniques in the aerials event of freestyle skiing.

Abstract

In the aerials event of freestyle skiing, athletes perform three somersaults with up to five twists. This study investigated the twisting limits of such movements using a computer simulation model of aerial movement. The abilities of various asymmetrical arm and hip techniques to produce twist during flight were investigated using 10 simulations to maximise twist and allow reorientation prior to landing. It was found that 4-6 twists could be produced during three somersaults. The main limiting factor was the increased whole body frontal moment of inertia due to the equipment which restricted the amount of tilt resulting from an asymmetrical arm movement. It was concluded that reductions in equipment mass might make such movements easier to achieve but would be unlikely to allow advances beyond the limits found.