Determination of the frequency characteristics of alpine skis on a laboratory test bench using digital sensors

This study explores the integration of digital technologies into contemporary sports research, highlighting new opportunities for analyzing athlete-equipment interactions. The research emphasizes the deployment of miniature sensors, such as MEMS accelerometers, and advanced wireless technologies (Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6), which minimize measurement device interference with natural movement dynamics. Investigations focus on impacts, vibrations, and oscillations generated during athlete-equipment contact, as these factors directly affect training efficacy, injury risk, and technical refinement. For instance, in alpine skiing, tennis, and hockey, vibration analysis of skis, rackets, and sticks facilitates equipment design improvements while reducing muscular and joint loading. The use of miniature measurement devices on laboratory vibration benches enables the acquisition of dynamic characteristics for both prototype and tested equipment, allowing for the recording of short-term impact pulses and oscillations lasting several milliseconds, as well as high-frequency oscillations up to 16 kHz. Additionally, biomechanical synchronization of signal recording from both equipment and athlete is achievable. The adoption of cutting-edge digitalization and wireless signal transmission technologies represents a current and innovative approach to addressing research challenges in the assessment of sports equipment dynamic properties.