Introducing a Method to Quantify the Specificity of Training for Races in Speed Skating

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Training specificity is crucial for performance development in speed skating.
• Quantifying training specificity in speed skating has been a significant challenge for coaches and researchers.
• Understanding the relationship between training intensity and race demands is essential for optimizing performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and introduce a novel method for quantifying training specificity in speed skating for sprint races (500m and 1000m).
• To explore the actual amount of training specificity achieved by subelite-to-elite speed skaters during a competitive season.
• To provide coaches with a tool to assess and control the specificity of their training programs.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of on-ice training and race data from 10 subelite-to-elite speed skaters over a 26-week season.
• Intensity was categorized into 5 zones based on peak velocity (Vz) and peak heart rate (HRz).
• Training specificity was defined as time spent in the race-specific intensity zone during training sessions.

Main Results:

• During races, skaters spent most of their time in the highest intensity zones (Vz5 and HRz5).
• Velocity-based analysis showed very low percentages of training time (0.3%) in zones specific to 500m and 1000m races.
• Heart rate-based analysis indicated slightly higher, yet still limited, percentages of training time (1.3% for 500m, 3.2% for 1000m) in specific zones.

Conclusions:

• A new, quantifiable method for assessing speed skating training specificity has been successfully developed.
• The pilot study indicates a potential deficit in achieving adequate training specificity for sprint races among elite speed skaters.
• This method allows for the examination of training specificity, enabling coaches to verify intended training goals and explore its impact on performance.