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Optimal pacing strategy: from theoretical modelling to reality in 1500-m speed skating
F J Hettinga1, J J De Koning, L J I Schmidt
1Research Institute MOVE, Department of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands. f.j.hettinga@med.umcg.nl
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|October 24, 2009
Summary
Experienced speed skaters perform best with their self-paced strategy. Imposing an optimal pacing profile, or fast start protocol, negatively impacted technique and did not improve 1500-m race performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Athletes develop self-paced (SP) strategies for optimal performance during endurance events.
- Understanding pacing is crucial for maximizing speed skating performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if an "override" of self-paced performance with a theoretically optimal pacing profile improves 1500-m speed skating.
- To analyze the effects of imposed pacing strategies on speed skating technique and overall performance.
Main Methods:
- Seven national-level speed skaters completed a self-paced (SP) 1500-m race.
- Velocity and body position data were collected to calculate mechanical power output.
- An energy flow model determined an optimal pacing profile, which was imposed in a second "ideal" (IM) race.
Main Results:
- The imposed optimal pacing (IM) race was approximately 2 seconds slower than the self-paced (SP) race.
- The IM race exhibited higher power output in the initial 300m compared to SP.
- No significant differences were found in anaerobic parameters between the two pacing strategies.
Conclusions:
- Experienced speed skaters possess refined pacing strategies that are difficult to improve upon.
- Implementing a theoretically optimal fast start protocol negatively affected speed skating technique.
- The imposed pacing strategy did not lead to enhanced 1500-m speed skating performance.
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