Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
07:19
Comparison of Kinetic Characteristics of Footwork during Stroke in Table Tennis: Cross-Step and Chasse Step
Published on: June 16, 2021
3.2K
Ground reaction forces produced by two different hockey skating arm swing techniques.
Julie Hayward-Ellis1, Marion J L Alexander2, Cheryl M Glazebrook2
1a College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Canada.
European Journal of Sport Science
|August 18, 2017
Summary
The mediolateral arm swing in hockey generates greater frontal plane forces and a more optimal force angle compared to the anteroposterior swing. This technique better aligns with lower limb propulsion during skating strides.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Ice Hockey Performance
Background:
- Arm swing is crucial for generating forces and velocity in hockey skating.
- Understanding different arm swing techniques can optimize skating performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify differences in ground reaction forces (GRFs) between anteroposterior and mediolateral arm swings in elite female hockey players.
- To analyze the impact of arm swing technique on force production and direction.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four elite female hockey players performed both anteroposterior and mediolateral arm swings.
- Ground reaction forces (GRFs) were measured using force platforms.
- Upper limb kinematics were analyzed using video motion analysis.
Main Results:
- The mediolateral arm swing produced 37% greater frontal plane GRFs and 33% less sagittal plane GRFs than the anteroposterior swing.
- Resultant GRF magnitudes were similar, but the mediolateral swing yielded a larger angle from the direction of travel (44.44° vs. 31.60°).
Conclusions:
- The mediolateral arm swing technique more effectively aligns ground reaction forces with the direction of lower limb propulsion in hockey skating.
- This finding suggests that optimizing arm swing direction can enhance skating efficiency and power.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Energy Diagrams - II
14.1K
Energy diagrams are important to understand the dynamics of a system. The topology of an energy diagram helps illustrate the equilibrium points of the system.
The point in the energy diagram at which the system’s potential energy is the lowest is known as the local minima. The system tends to stay in this position indefinitely unless acted upon by a net force. The slope of the potential energy diagram at the local minima is zero, indicating that zero net force is acting on the system. The...
The point in the energy diagram at which the system’s potential energy is the lowest is known as the local minima. The system tends to stay in this position indefinitely unless acted upon by a net force. The slope of the potential energy diagram at the local minima is zero, indicating that zero net force is acting on the system. The...
14.1K
01:27Support Reactions in Three Dimensions
1.7K
Support reactions in three dimensions help maintain the stability and equilibrium of various structures and systems. These reactions prevent the system from translating and rotating, ensuring the design can withstand external forces and perform its intended function efficiently and safely. Some of the supports providing support reactions in three dimensions are discussed below:
Ball and Socket Joint is one of the supports allowing free rotation about any axis. This freedom of rotation is...
Ball and Socket Joint is one of the supports allowing free rotation about any axis. This freedom of rotation is...
1.7K
01:07Frictional Force
10.2K
When a body is in motion, it encounters resistance because the body interacts with its surroundings. This resistance is known as friction, a common yet complex force whose behavior is still not completely understood. Friction opposes relative motion between systems in contact, but also allows us to move. Friction arises in part due to the roughness of surfaces in contact. For one object to move along a surface, it must rise to where the peaks of the surface can skip along the bottom of the...
10.2K
01:05Static and Kinetic Frictional Force
26.1K
One of the simpler characteristics of sliding friction is that it is parallel to the contact surfaces between systems, and is always in a direction that opposes the motion or attempted motion of the systems relative to each other. If two systems are in contact and moving relative to one another, then the friction between them is called kinetic friction. For example, kinetic friction slows a hockey puck sliding on ice.
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
However, if two systems are in contact and are stationary relative to one...
26.1K
01:17Rolling Resistance: Problem Solving
874
Rolling resistance, also known as rolling friction, is the force that resists the motion of a rolling object, such as a wheel, tire, or ball, when it moves over a surface. It is caused by the deformation of the object and the surface in contact with each other, as well as other factors like internal friction, hysteresis, and energy losses within the materials. Rolling resistance opposes the object's motion, requiring additional energy to overcome it and maintain movement. In practical...
874
01:14Energy Diagrams - I
5.8K
The dynamics of a mechanical system can be easily understood by interpreting a potential energy diagram. Since energy is a scalar quantity, the interpretation of the dynamics of the system becomes even simpler.
Take the example of a skater on a parabolic ramp. The potential energy at different points along the ramp will be proportional to the height of the ramp, which varies quadratically with the horizontal position on the ramp. As the skater moves down the ramp from the highest position,...
Take the example of a skater on a parabolic ramp. The potential energy at different points along the ramp will be proportional to the height of the ramp, which varies quadratically with the horizontal position on the ramp. As the skater moves down the ramp from the highest position,...
5.8K