A1 Journal article (refereed)
Is it still important to be light in ski jumping? (2021)

Virmavirta, M., & Kivekäs, J. (2021). Is it still important to be light in ski jumping?. Sports Biomechanics, 20(4), 407-418. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1556326

JYU authors or editors

Virmavirta, Mikko

Publication details

All authors or editors: Virmavirta, Mikko; Kivekäs, Juha

Journal or series: Sports Biomechanics

ISSN: 1476-3141

eISSN: 1752-6116

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 20

Issue number: 4

Pages range: 407-418

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1556326

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Abstract

In ski jumping low body weight development resulted in some serious underweight problems and therefore the International Ski Federation (FIS) decided to solve the problem by relating maximum ski length to Body Mass Index (BMI) in 2004. The present study examined the current relationship between body weight, ski length and performance (jumping distance) in ski jumping. By adopting the BMI regulation to specifications for competition equipment, the FIS succeeded in stopping the alarming development of underweight problems in ski jumping. However, as the results of the present study show, the BMI regulation adopted by the FIS has reduced the advantage of being light, but despite the use of shorter skis it is still beneficial to be light within certain limits. The present parametric study suggests that the weight of the jumper is a more sensitive factor to jump length than ski area (ski length). In fact, sensitivity analysis shows that reducing BMI by 1% requires a reduction of approximately 2.0% in ski area to compensate each other. Based on the available information of the complex relationship between body morphology and performance in ski jumping there seems to be no further need for a change in the BMI regulation.

Keywords: body mass index; equipment; sports performances; winter sports; ski jumping

Free keywords: body weight; BMI; performance

Fields of science: