Improving the testing of padding safety in short track speed skating

Abstract

Short track speed skating is characterized by high velocities and close athlete interactions, resulting in frequent crashes and a substantial risk of injury. To mitigate injury severity, protective padding systems are installed around the ice rink; however, current evaluation methods insufficiently represent the complex interaction between athlete and padding. Existing standardized tests rely on simplified geometries and perpendicular impacts, leading to unrealistic pressure distributions and limited biomechanical relevance. This study aims to improve the realism of padding safety evaluation by developing a projectile that more accurately simulates the interaction between a short track speed skater and padding, while remaining compatible with the ICE-G1 on-site testing system.

A comprehensive theoretical framework was established, integrating foam mechanics, crash dynamics, injury mechanisms, and scaling principles. Foam behavior was analyzed using a mass-spring-–damper model, highlighting the importance of impact velocity, contact area, and geometry in determining deformation and energy absorption. To define representative crash conditions, a video analysis of 62 real-world short track incidents was conducted. Results show that the majority of crashes occur at velocities above 40 km/h, with impact angles predominantly between 35 and 55\textsuperscript{o}, and back-first impacts identified as the most frequent and representative scenario. Furthermore, impacts were found to occur primarily in the lower region of the padding, often involving a single padding element.

A key limitation of existing test methods was identified in the mismatch between mass and contact area, resulting in stress levels that are not representative of real athlete impacts. To address this, a scaling strategy was developed based on preserving the mass-to-contact-area ratio, ensuring comparable stress distributions within the padding. This led to the design of a scaled projectile that more closely mimics the geometry and loading characteristics of a skater during impact, which is shown below (left).

Experimental validation demonstrated that the redesigned projectile produces higher and likely more representative peak accelerations compared to current testing approaches, indicating improved simulation fidelity. The findings emphasize that accurate representation of contact geometry and mass distribution is essential for realistic padding evaluation. Additionally, there is a difference between moveable and traditional padding. As the current standardized test method (ISU drop test) is unable to test moveable padding, this highlights yet another flaw in the current standard. The proposed method provides a significant step toward more representative and reliable testing of safety of padding systems in short track speed skating, and offers a foundation for future improvements in both testing methodology and athlete safety. However, as sensor limitations were encountered during experimental validation, the exact differences between the redesigned projectile and the current standardized test method is unknown, and more testing is required.