DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF SYSTEM FOR MEASURING POLING FORCES

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a system for measuring polishing forces during NW.
Strain gauge force sensors were mounted under the handles of standard NW poles. The signals from the transducers were amplified and converted into digital form for transmission to a personal computer. Special software was developed to process the measurement data and a method for calculating the output variables was described. Validation of the system was carried out using a Kistler force plate. Polishing cycles with a peak force of approximately 150 N were imitated by pressing the pole against the force plate.
The validation result of our system is comparable to the results of similar systems used for measurements during cross-country skiing. The system allows the poling forces on both poles to be measured independently and the measurement duration can be up to one hour. The system provides a tool that can be used to answer a number of questions posed by NW researchers. Understanding the biomechanical and physiological aspects of the poling action can provide a scientific basis for promoting, teaching and training NW.