Inline Speed Skaters Research Articles

Injury characteristics of young elite inline speed skaters: A one season retrospective study

ABSTRACT Objectives Determining the rate of injuries related to a certain sport is accepted as the primary step toward designing, implementing and evaluating injury prevention programs. This observational and retrospective study was to examine the injuries sustained by elite young Spanish inline speed skaters during a season. Methods Athletes participating in the national championship (n = 80) were surveyed via an anonymous online questionnaire to screen for injury characteristics: incidence, location, and tissue affected; plus training information and demographics. Results A total of 52 injuries were recorded across 33,351 hours of exposure, which gives a rate of 1.65/1,000 h. The lower body comprised 79% of the total amount of injuries (1.3/1000 h), and the main areas affected were the thigh and foot, accounting for 25% and 19.2% of the recorded injuries, respectively. Musculotendinous injuries were the most frequent, with an incidence of 0.92/1000 h. No significant gender differences were observed for any of the variables studied. Conclusion Speed skating can be considered a low injury rate sport based on our findings. The risk of sustaining an injury was independent of gender, age, and BMI.

A multivariate regression and discriminant canonical analysis of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull performance in cadet inline speed skaters

A multivariate regression and discriminant canonical analysis of Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull performance in cadet inline speed skaters

Body composition profile of young inline speed skaters

The aim of this work was to determine the body composition profile of children and young roller skaters. 516 athletes (361 males and 155 females) between the ages of 5 and 21 years old, who belong to official clubs in Colombia and Venezuela, were evaluated longitudinally. The anthropometric variables were taken according to ISAK, using the Holtain© caliper for the skin folds (triceps, anterior thigh and medial leg) and the Sanny© tape for the perimeters (relaxed arm, medial thigh and leg). The treatment for the estimation of the percentage of body fat (%F) and muscle mass (%MM) was performed under the protocol of the GREC and processed by means of SPSS 24.0. The results point to the existence of significant differences (p<0.05) between sexes for %F and %MM. For the development of the profile the methodology of smoothed curves was used with the application of the software LMS Chart Maker© and to generate cut points for the percentiles 3, 10, 75, 90 and 97. It is concluded, that the classification for the proposed body composition, without trying to be a unique norm to establish the typification of the status of the body composition of a skater, allows to distinguish and to categorize with rigor and objecti-vity, the characteristics of the body composition of the skaters independently of the age and competitive level. This work is recommended as a starting point for future studies in larger populations with established probability sampling and ethnicity.

A study on the technical factors in curve skating on a flat track among Japanese inline speed skaters

A study on the technical factors in curve skating on a flat track among Japanese inline speed skaters

Physiological and performance responses to high-intensity interval training in female inline speed skaters

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) varying in exercise intensities to traditional endurance training (TET) on physiological and performance adaptations in trained female inline speed skaters. MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to one of 3 HIIT groups: 6,8,10 (repetitions/session from 1st to 3rd week respectively)×60seconds (s) at the running speed associated with V˙O2max (100%vV˙O2max) (H100, N=7), 115%vV˙O2max (H115, N=7), and 130%vV˙O2max (H130, N=7), 1:3 work to recovery ratio; and/or TET group (N=7): 60-minute running at 75%vV˙O2max three sessions per week. ResultsSignificant (except as shown) improvements (p<0.05) following HIIT were found in: V˙O2max (H100=+7.6%, H115=+6.1%, H130=+0.1%; p=0.4), vV˙O2max (H100=+10.3%, H115=+6.3%, H130=+9.8%), peak power output (PPO) (H100=+10.3%, H115=+9.1%, H130=+5.5%; p=0.2), mean power output (MPO) (H100=+22.6%, H115=+24.1%, H130=+21.9%), 3000 meter (m) skating performance (H100=−15.2%, H115=−7.9%, H130=−10.6%), and Tmax (H100=+39.4%, H115=+5.0%; p=0.5, H130=+17.8%; p=0.1). No significant differences were found among groups. Also, no changes in these variables were found in the TET group. ConclusionsPresent findings suggest that three weeks of HIIT program with low volume (almost 6 or 10min per session) is associated with improvements in V˙O2max, vV˙O2max, PPO, MPO, 3000m skating performance, and Tmax in trained female inline speed skaters.

Selected plantar pressure characteristics associated with the skating performance of national in-line speed skaters

In order to help coaches analyse the techniques of professional in-line speed skaters for making the required fine adjustments and corrections in their push-off work, this study analysed the specific plantar pressure characteristics during a 300-m time-trial test. Fourteen elite in-line speed skaters from the national team were recruited in this study. The total completion time of the 300-m time-trial test, duration of each skating phase, and plantar pressure distribution were measured. The correlation between plantar pressure distribution and skating performance was assessed using Pearson correlation analyses. The results showed that the contact time of the total foot and force–time integral (FTI) in the medial forefoot were significantly correlated with the duration of the start phase, and the FTIs in the medial forefoot of the gliding (left) leg and lateral forefoot of the pushing (right) leg were significantly correlated with the duration of the turning phase. The maximum force in the medial heel, medial forefoot, and median forefoot and the FTI in the medial heel and medial forefoot were significantly correlated with the duration of the linear acceleration phase. The results suggest that a correct plantar loading area and push-off strategy can enhance the skating performance.

Effects of Cycling vs. Running Training on Endurance Performance in Preparation for Inline Speed Skating

Winter weather conditions restrict regular sport-specific endurance training in inline speed skating. As a result, this study was designed to compare the effects of cycling and running training programs on inline speed skaters' endurance performance. Sixteen (8 men, 8 women) high-level athletes (mean ± SD 24 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (running and cycling). Both groups trained twice a week for 8 weeks, one group on a treadmill and the other on a cycle ergometer. Training intensity and duration was individually calculated (maximal fat oxidation: ∼52% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak: 500 kcal per session). Before and after the training intervention, all athletes performed an incremental specific (inline speed skating) and 1 nonspecific (cycling or running) step test according to the group affiliation. In addition to blood lactate concentration, oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2), ventilatory equivalent (VE/V[Combining Dot Above]O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate were measured. The specific posttest revealed significantly increased absolute V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak values (2.9 ± 0.4, 3.4 ± 0.7, p = 0.01) and submaximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values (p ≤ 0.01). VE/V[Combining Dot Above]O2 and RER significantly decreased at maximal (46.6 ± 6.6, 38.5 ± 3.4, p = 0.005; 1.1 ± 0.03, 1.0 ± 0.04, p = 0.001) and submaximal intensities (p ≤ 0.04). None of the analysis revealed a significant group effect (p ≥ 0.15). The results indicate that both cycling vs. running exercise at ∼52% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak had a positive effect on the athletes' endurance performance. The increased submaximal V[Combining Dot Above]O2 values indicate a reduction in athletes' inline speed skating technique. Therefore, athletes would benefit from a focus on technique training in the subsequent period.

Validity of Lactate Thresholds in Inline Speed Skating

Lactate thresholds are commonly used as estimates of the highest workload where lactate production and elimination are in equilibrium (maximum lactate steady state [MLSS]). However, because of the high static load on propulsive muscles, lactate kinetics in inline speed skating may differ significantly from other endurance exercise modes. Therefore, the discipline-specific validity of lactate thresholds has to be verified. Sixteen competitive inline-speed skaters (age: 30 ± 10 years; training per week: 10 ± 4 hours) completed an exhaustive stepwise incremental exercise test (start 24 km·h, step duration 3 minutes, increment 2 km·h) to determine individual anaerobic threshold (IAT) and the workload corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol·L (LT4) and 2-5 continuous load tests of (up to) 30 minutes to determine MLSS. The IAT and LT4 correlated significantly with MLSS, and the mean differences were almost negligible (MLSS 29.5 ± 2.5 km·h; IAT 29.2 ± 2.0 km·h; LT4 29.6 ± 2.3 km·h; p > 0.1 for all differences). However, the variability of differences was considerable resulting in 95% limits of agreement in the upper range of values known from other endurance disciplines (2.6 km·h [8.8%] for IAT and 3.1 km·h [10.3%] for LT4). Consequently, IAT and LT4 may be considered as valid estimates of the MLSS in inline speed skating, but verification by means of a constant load test should be considered in cases of doubt or when optimal accuracy is needed (e.g., in elite athletes or scientific studies).

A novel incremental slide board test for speed skaters: Reliability analysis and comparison with a cycling test

IntroductionExercise prescription from indices obtained from cycling or running treadmill incremental tests does not seem suitable for speed skaters. However, the specificity of laboratory skating assessments remains to be established. PurposeThis study intended to assess the test–retest reliability of an incremental test performed on a slide board (SB), and its validity compared with a cycling protocol in order to determine aerobic performance indices in speed skaters. MethodsTen competitive inline speed skaters performed two incremental tests on an SB and one cycling incremental test. The intensity of SB test was determined by cadence, starting at 30 push-offs/min and increasing by three push-offs/min each minute, until volitional exhaustion. Maximal and submaximal values related to the anaerobic threshold (AT) of oxygen uptake (VO2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), respiratory exchange (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived effort (RPE), cadence (CAD), and blood lactate concentration ([Lac]max) were measured. ResultsNo significant differences were found in any of the variables between test–retest on SB. High relative (ICC>0.9) and absolute reliability (typical error of measure as CVTEM<3.5%) were found for VO2max, HRmax, [Lac]max, CADmax, VO2AT, CADAT, and RPEAT. In comparison to SB test, the [Lac]max was significantly higher during cycling, and the RPEAT was lower. VO2max, HRmax, CADmax, VO2AT and CADAT were largely correlated between cycling and SB (r>0.8). ConclusionsThe findings suggest that SB test is reliable and adequate to evaluate aerobic performance indices of speed skaters.

PS6-20 Muscle activation of different skating techniques in elite in-line speed skaters(PS6: Poster Short Presentation VI,Poster Session)

PS6-20 Muscle activation of different skating techniques in elite in-line speed skaters(PS6: Poster Short Presentation VI,Poster Session)

Factors that provides effective competitive activity in inline speed skating

Factors that provides effective competitive activity in inline speed skating

Pain originating from the sacroiliac joint is a common non-traumatic musculoskeletal complaint in elite inline-speedskaters - an observational study

Study designObservational studyObjectivesTo investigate common non-traumatic musculoskeletal complaints of the low back in elite inline-speedskaters of the German national team.Summary of background dataTraumatic injuries associated with falls or collisions are well documented in speedskaters but so far no studies have investigated non-traumatic low back pain. Previously, the sacroiliac joint was suspected as a frequent origin of complaint, we aimed to investigate this assumption.MethodsTwo chiropractors examined elite inline-speedskaters of the German national team during three sports events between summer 2010 and 2011. A test cluster of five provocative tests for the sacroiliac joint was selected based on reliability and validity.ResultsA total of 37 examinations were conducted on 34 athletes with low back pain during the three sport events. The reported pain intensities ranged from mild to moderate pain (VAS 23.4 ± 13.4 to 35.1 ± 19.2). About 90% of cases showed involvement of the SI joint of which again 90% presented with left sided symptoms.ConclusionsNon-traumatic complaints of the low back originating from the left sacroiliac joint frequently occur in competitive inline speedskaters.

Characteristics of Inline Speedskating - Incremental Tests and Effect of Drafting

Competitive inline speedskating combines a movement pattern similar to speedskating on ice with pack-oriented competition modes known from cycling. The deep-seated body position leads to high static load and, thus, restricted blood flow within propulsive muscles. This condition may affect lactate kinetics and limit V.O (2peak). The present study compares physiologic reactions to graded cycling and skating exercise among top-level inline speedskaters and quantifies the effect of drafting. Eight male inline speedskaters of the top national level were examined. The study consisted of two graded exhaustive exercise tests (cycling and speedskating) and a pairwise drafting test. All tests were carried out with simultaneous gas exchange (MetaMax 2, Cortex, Germany) and heart rate measurements as well as determination of blood lactate concentrations. Maximal values of oxygen consumption (cycling: 4.91 +/- 0.60; skating: 4.85 +/- 0.50 l . min (-1); p = 0.78), lactate concentration, or heart rate were similar for cycling and skating. At workloads corresponding to blood lactate concentrations of 4 mmol . l (-1) oxygen uptake (cycling: 3.24 +/- 0.65; skating: 3.97 +/- 0.40 l . min (-1); p < 0.05) and heart rate (cycling: 162 +/- 9; skating: 173 +/- 6 min (-1); p < 0.05) were significantly higher during skating. The differences in heart rate ranged between - 2 and 23 min (-1). The drafting effect was 15 +/- 6 % at 30 km . h (-1) (3.34 +/- 0.19 vs. 2.83 +/- 0.29 l . min (-1)) and 14 +/- 5 % at 33 km . h (-1) (3.87 +/- 0.26 vs. 3.32 +/- 0.27 l . min (-1)). During inline speedskating the attainment of VO2peak is not impaired when compared to cycling exercise. However, the derivation of exercise prescriptions from a stepwise cycling test does not seem appropriate. The drafting effect of inline speedskating is within the range known from cycling.

Differences in Mood Among Elite Athletesin Artistic Roller, Figure, and Inline Speed SkatingBefore and After Competition

This study explored whether elite artistic skating athletes differ from elite inline speed skating athletes in terms of mood as assessed before and after competi-tion. Its secondary purpose was to determine whether mood states in athletes generally differ before competition, as compared to after. Thirty-nine athletes in artistic and inline speed skating participated in this study during the German national and European championships. Participants were top-ranked elite skat-ers, including 17 German national champions, nine European and four World champions as well as four participants in recent Olympic Games. Artistic skat-ers exhibited more delight and less listlessness both before and after competi-tion. Inline speed skaters reported greater arousal before competition, whereas artistic skaters reported more arousal after competition. All skaters reported more activation before competition as compared to after competition. These results have implications for athletes’ preparation for and participation in sports competition.

Variable effects of a behavioral treatment package on the performance of inline roller speed skaters.

We investigated the effects of a treatment package on the performance of correct relay tags with 4 inline speed skaters. The treatment package included verbal praise following correct tags, visual feedback of performance data, and instruction for improving performance. Initial gains in the frequency of correct tags were not maintained at 6-month follow-up when baselines were reestablished. Performance on the second intervention phase for the 3 original subjects was variable and differed from the initial phase, whereas the original findings were replicated in the 4th subject. Possible reasons for this variability and implications for future research and behavioral sport interventions are considered.