Physiologic Responses and Energy System Contributions in Competitive Short Track Speed Skating Across Race Distances

Kıyıcı, F, Ulupınar, S, Gençoğlu, C, Atasever, G, Seren, K, Çiydem, Ç, and Özbay, S. Physiologic responses and energy system contributions in competitive short track speed skating across race distances. J Strength Cond Res 40(8): e887-e893, 2026-This study aimed to quantify and compare the physiologic responses and energy system contributions across 3 standard race distances in elite short track speed skaters. Nine national-level elite male short track speed skaters performed maximal-effort time trials for 500, 1000, and 1,500 m, in randomized order and with full recovery between sessions. Oxygen uptake (V̇ o2 ) was continuously measured using a portable gas analyzer, while blood lactate concentration ([BLa]) was sampled at rest and at multiple time points postexercise. Energy contributions from phosphagen, glycolytic, and aerobic pathways were calculated using validated equations based on V̇ o2 , EPOC kinetics, and [BLa]. Total energy expenditure increased with distance (500 m: 123.8 ± 16.5 kJ; 1,000 m: 163.1 ± 19.2 kJ; 1,500 m: 201.9 ± 19.6 kJ). Aerobic energy rose significantly from 27.2 ± 2.4 kJ at 500 m to 57.3 ± 4.9 kJ at 1,000 m and 89.1 ± 7.9 kJ at 1,500 m. Glycolytic energy was 50.6 ± 11.5 kJ at 500 m and 55.4 ± 10.6 kJ at 1,000 m, and increased to 60.3 ± 11.5 kJ at 1,500 m. Phosphagen energy also increased with distance (45.7 ± 9.4 kJ; 50.3 ± 10.3 kJ; 52.8 ± 11.2 kJ). In relative terms, aerobic contribution rose from 22.2% at 500 m to 35.3% at 1,000 m and 44.3% at 1,500 m, whereas glycolytic contribution declined from 40.9 to 33.9% and 29.8%, and phosphagen contribution from 36.9 to 30.8% and 26% (all p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate a clear shift from anaerobic to aerobic dominance as race distance increases in short track speed skating. The PCr-La-O 2 approach offers detailed insights into metabolic demands across competition distances, supporting tailored training and recovery strategies. The observed nonlinear patterns in glycolytic and phosphagen contributions highlight the importance of distance-specific conditioning in elite speed skating performance.