Integration of Force Sensors in Cross-Country Ski Bindings and Concept Development for Multi-Sport Measurement Platforms

Abstract

Accurate force measurement is an essential component in sports science, providing valuable insights into biomechanics, performance, technique, and equipment interaction. Skisens, a Swedish sports technology company, pioneered the introduction of force measurement in cross-country skiing, through instrumented ski poles. Building on this foundation, the present thesis explores the extension of Skisens technology to other contexts. The main focus was the development and validation of a prototype ski binding equipped with integrated force sensors. Several design iterations were produced using CAD tools and 3D printing with advanced polymers, and were validated against AMTIN force plates. Data processing, filtering, and detection of push-off cycles were performed in Python. The results demonstrated a strong correlation (averaging 80 percent) between the force measurement in the binding prototype and the reference force plates. Propulsive phases were consistently detected and key biomechanical variables such as impulse, average force, and power output were calculated. In addition to the ski binding prototype, two conceptual devices were explored: a modular force plate for dynamic sports such as athletics and strength training, and an inline traction force sensor for gym applications. Both devices were tested in a gym context, and promising results were obtained for key movement values, validated through high-speed video tracking. This thesis highlights both the potential and the current limitations of integrating force sensors directly into sports equipment. Although prototypes remain fragile and are not yet ready for use in the field, the concepts show great potential for providing athletes and coaches with decisive information and real-time feedback on various sports equipment.