Characteristic Stroke Mechanics of Elite and Trained Male Speed Skaters

Abstract

In speed skating, the amount of work per stroke is dependent on the component of the push-off force in the direction perpendicular to the gliding direction of the skate. One stroke consists of a gliding phase and a push-off phase in which the knee is explosively extended. Film and video analysis showed that the better skaters show a higher power production and no differences in stroke frequency. Differences in performance are related to differences in push-off mechanics. The faster skaters reach a higher angular velocity at the knee; the time during which the knee is extended is shorter. At the start of the push-off, the velocity of the body center of gravity in the horizontal direction is higher due to a passive falling movement in the frontal plane. It is concluded that the better skaters show a better timing that results in a more explosive and effective directed push-off.