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Anthropometric and physical abilities profiles: US National Skeleton Team
William A Sands1, L Sarah L Smith, Derek M R Kivi
1USA Olympic Committee, Division of Coaching and Sport Sciences, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Sports Biomechanics
|September 6, 2005
Summary
US National Skeleton athletes exhibit strong sprinting capabilities and power, with greater strength and power correlating to faster start times. Athletes displayed varied body types, predominantly mesomorphic.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Human Performance
Background:
- Skeleton is a high-speed sliding sport demanding explosive power and efficient starting technique.
- Understanding the physical characteristics of elite skeleton athletes is crucial for performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize sprint ability, anthropometry, and lower extremity power in US National Team Skeleton athletes.
- To investigate the relationship between physical attributes and sprint performance in skeleton athletes.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen US National Team Skeleton athletes (7 male, 7 female) participated.
- Sprint performance was assessed using infrared timing gates for upright and crouched starts (simulating sled push).
- Lower extremity power was measured via vertical jumps (squat, countermovement, added mass) using force platforms.
Main Results:
- Crouched sprint starts were 70-85% of upright sprint times.
- Athletes were predominantly mesomorphic (males: 3.6-4.9-1.9, females: 3.5-3.5-2.1).
- Lower extremity strength and power strongly correlated with both upright and crouched sprint times.
Conclusions:
- US National Team Skeleton athletes are powerful sprinters with diverse body compositions.
- Enhanced lower extremity strength and power are key indicators for superior sprint start performance in skeleton.
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