AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC KINETICS DURING SPEED SKATING COMPETITION

Abstract

PURPOSE Prediction of speed skating performance with a power balance model requires assumptions about the kinetics of energy production, skating efficiency and skating technique during competitive events. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of aerobic and anaerobic energy production during simulated speed skating competition. METHODS Elite level speed skaters (n=8) performed a 1500m speed skating race and a submaximal efficiency test. External power output was calculated from video analysis together with aerodynamic models and ice friction measurements. The aerobic kinetics was calculated from breath-by-breath VO2. The mechanical equivalent of the aerobic power was calculated with the measured skating efficiency. The anaerobic kinetics was determined by subtracting the mechanical equivalent of the aerobic power from the external power output. RESULTS The skating efficiency was 0.158 (0.018). In the 1500m event, the kinetics of the anaerobic power production was characterized by a first order system as Pan=556 e−0.0494t + 88 (W). The rate constant for the increase in aerobic power was 0.153s−1, the time delay was 8.7s and the peak aerobic power was 331W; Paer=331 (1-e−0.153(t−8.7)) (W). CONCLUSIONS The pattern of the aerobic energy production is quite similar to that reported during simulated competition of cycling, running and kayaking, with the exception that the increase in aerobic power is more rapid. The pattern of the anaerobic energy production does not appear to fit an “all out” pattern, with near zero values during the last portion of the event, as assumed in our previous model, based on cycling experiments. The power balance model for speed skating needs to be revised according to the presented results.