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Potential method of optimizing the klapskate hinge position in speed skating
Scott Van Horne1, Darren J Stefanyshyn
1Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|November 2, 2005
Summary
Optimizing klap speed skate performance involves adjusting the pivot point (PP). Moving the PP forward increases ankle power and decreases knee power, but static strength doesn't predict the optimal PP.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Skate Technology
Background:
- The klap speed skate, widely adopted in 1997, has an optimal pivot point (PP) location that remains poorly understood.
- The PP's position is critical for maximizing klap skate performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ankle, knee, and hip joint mechanical alterations with modified PP locations.
- To assess if maximal ankle torques predict the optimal PP for skaters.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen proficient skaters were tested at three PP locations, with 10 skaters evaluated at a fourth.
- Push phase kinetics and kinematics were recorded using a slide board.
- Static maximal voluntary torque of the ankle and knee was measured using a Biodex dynamometer.
Main Results:
- Anterior PP shifts significantly increased ankle energy generation.
- Anterior PP shifts led to a significant decrease in knee energy generation.
- No significant changes in hip joint energy generation were observed.
- No significant correlations were found between static strength measures and optimal PP.
Conclusions:
- Modifying the PP location impacts lower limb joint mechanics during the push phase.
- Optimal PP positioning for maximizing push energy is skater-specific.
- Static strength testing is not a reliable predictor of optimal klap skate PP.