Skate force measured for the first time in Finland
JYU-Vuokatti and the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) have collaborated on the JÄTTI project to develop automatic analysis of skating technique and to measure the force output of the skating stride. No similar method has been tried in Finland before. The measurement of force in skates is unique, particularly in short track.
"Force measurement research has been conducted internationally in traditional speed skating since the 1980s, but this is the first time in Finland. We are able to test a prototype that measures the vertical and lateral ground reaction forces generated by the skater. We have short track skater Jaakko Hautamäki performing the test," says project manager Timo Kananen from VTT.
The strain gauge based sensors developed by VTT are placed between the skate blade and the shoe, where they measure a force signal and based on the calibration the voltage-signals are converted to Force-signals. The signals are measured by the Coachtech measurement and feedback system developed at JYU-Vuokatti, which has previously been used in several different force sensor applications.
"A Coachtech measurement node is attached around the skater's ankle, to which a sensor developed by VTT is connected. As part of the project, Vuokatti Arena is equipped with Coachtech measurement system, which collects data wirelessly from the skater's ankle to a computer," explains Keijo Ruotsalainen, coordinator at JYU-Vuokatti and developer of the Coachtech system.
In the future the goal is to repeat the same measurement protocol with ice hockey skates. In speed skating, measuring force helps athletes gain information about their technique and force output capacity, among other things. In particular, when it comes to cornering, The measurements can reveal the forces generated by the skater when exiting the turn. In ice hockey, force measurement could be used, for example, to determine initial acceleration and possible half-differences.
Short track speed skating is one of the three main disciplines recognized by the International Skating Union (ISU), alongside speed skating and figure skating. The sport is also an Olympic discipline and enjoys great popularity, especially in the Far East and North America.
Vuokatti offers the perfect setting for short track skating, as cushioning mats were installed in the rink for the 2021 European Youth Olympic Festival.
In addition to JYU-Vuokatti and VTT, the JÄTTI project is being implemented by Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. The municipality of Sotkamo and Vuokatti Sport are participating as partners and co-financiers. Vuokatti Sport's goal is to increase the range of services related to short track speed skating by developing skate power measurement technology. The JÄTTI project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Kainuu Regional Council acts as the intermediary for the funding.
