Short Track Speed Skating Research Articles

Pacing Behavior and Tactical Positioning in 1500-m Short-Track Speed Skating.

To gain more insight in pacing behavior and tactical positioning in 1500-m short-track speed skating, a sport in which several athletes directly compete in the same race. Lap times and intermediate rankings of elite 1500-m short-track- skating competitors were collected over the season 2012-13 (N = 510, 85 races). Two statistical approaches were used to assess pacing behavior and tactical positioning. First, lap times were analyzed using a MANOVA, and for each lap differences between sex, race type, final rankings, and stage of competition were determined. Second, Kendall tau b correlations were used to assess relationships between intermediate and final rankings. In addition, intermediate rankings of the winner of each race were examined. In 1500 m (13.5 laps of 111.12 m), correlations between intermediate and final ranking gradually increased throughout the race (eg, lap 1, r = .05; lap 7, r = .26; lap 13, r = .85). Moreover, the percentage of race winners skating in the leading position was over 50% during the last 3 laps. Top finishers were faster than bottom-place finishers only during the last 5 laps, with on average 0.1- to 1.5-s faster lap times of the race winners compared with the others during the last 5 laps. Although a fast start led to faster finishing times, top finishers were faster than bottom-placed finishers only during the last 5 laps. Moreover, tactical positioning at 1 of the foremost positions during the latter phase of the race appeared to be a strong determinant of finishing position.

Study on Athletes\' Food Nutrition Supplement Scheme during Tennis Competition

This study offers a series of scientific, reasonable, simple and pragmatic plan of nutrition meal, which tallies with the characteristics of motor projects, researching the dinning condition and nutritious situation in the certain period of training, in order to provide reference for scientifically tennis training, teaching and exercising. Stamina is the base of motor skill, in which nutritious supplement is the core. Reasonable nutritious supplement plays a key role in the training effect and race scores of national short track speed skating. According to the judgment of energy metabolism, organism state of tennis and the features of energy supply system in tennis competition.

Strength, Flexibility, And Balance Asymmetries In Adolescent Long- and Short-track Speed Skaters

Both long- (400m) and short-track (111.12m) speed skating are a racing competition on ice but their skating mechanics are different, especially on curves. Hence, skating types may have bilateral asymmetries in the lower extremity. PURPOSE: To examine bilateral asymmetries of strength, flexibility, and balance in the lower-extremity in long- and short-track speed skaters. METHODS: Adolescent long- (n=18) and short-track (n=20) speed skaters (age: 17.6±3.0 yrs; career: 9.1±3.8 yrs) underwent measurements of strength on a dynamometer (sampling rate: 100 Hz), joint flexibility using a smartphone goniometer, and one-leg balance using a digital balance system. To test strength, subjects performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions for 5s (knee extension at 60°, hip flexion/extension at 45°, and hip adduction/abduction at 15°). Sampled data from 2s through 4s were averaged, then normalised by each subject’s body mass (N·m/kg). For joint flexibility, end points of completed active range of motion were measured (ankle dorsi-/plantar-flexion, knee flexion, hip flexion/extension, and hip adduction/abduction). To test balance, Fall Risk Screening Programme was used for 20s. Three successful trials on both sides were recorded and averaged to quantify each measurement. To test bilateral symmetries across skating type, we performed 2×2 mixed model ANOVAs. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference in all strength tests. Regardless of skating type, subjects had 3.9° less in the left side compared to the right side in hip abduction flexibility (48.4° vs. 52.3°; F1,36=6.65; p<0.01). Short-track speed skaters showed 2.5° greater hip adduction (23.3° vs. 20.8°; p<0.05) but 7.5° less hip abduction (45.3° vs. 52.8°; p<0.01) on the left side. Regardless of skating type, subjects had a better balance score on the left side compared to the right side (0.79 vs. 1.15; F1,36=15.66; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Skating mechanics on curves are thought to cause bilateral differences in balance and hip joint flexibility which should be addressed when training and conditioning speed skaters. Future studies should attempt to test the relationship between the asymmetries and performance. Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (NRF-2014M3C1B1033324)

The relationship between start performance and race outcome in elite 500-m short-track speed skating.

Initial short-track speed-skating 14-m start performance has substantial influence on 500-m race outcome at the international level, yet the relationship has not been systematically quantified. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between rank position entering first corner (RPEFC) and race outcome and to understand how this relationship changes with competition round and absolute race intensity. Data were compiled from 2011-2014 World Cup seasons and 2010 and 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Association between RPEFC and race outcome was determined through Kendall tau-rank correlations. A visual comparison was made of how the relationship changes with relative competition level (race tau correlations were sorted by competition round) and with race intensity (race tau correlations were sorted by within-event winning time). A very large relationship between RPEFC and race outcome was observed (correlations for cohort, τ = .60; men, τ = .53; women, τ = .67). When examined by competition round (quarter- to A-finals), no substantial change in relationship was observed (men, τ = .57-.46; women, τ = .73-.53). However, when the start-performance relationship was considered by within-event winning time, the relationship strength increased with decreasing time (men, τ = .61 to .46; women, τ = .76 to .57; fastest to 7th- and 8th-fastest combined, respectively). These results establish and quantify RPEFC as an important aspect of elite short-track 500-m race outcome. RPEFC as an indicator of race outcome becomes increasingly important with absolute race intensity, suggesting that RPEFC capability is a discriminating factor for competitors of similar top speed and speed endurance.

Relationship between strength qualities and short track speed skating performance in young athletes.

This study analyzed the relationships between isometric as well as concentric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) strength of the leg muscles and the times as well as speeds over different distances in 17 young short track speed skaters. Isometric as well as concentric single-joint MVC strength and multi-joint MVC strength in a stable (without skates) and unstable (with skates) condition were tested. Furthermore, time during maximum skating performances on ice was measured. Results indicate that maximum torques during eversion and dorsal flexion have a significant influence on skating speed. Concentric MVC strength of the knee extensors was higher correlated with times as well as speeds over the different distances than isometric MVC strength. Multi-joint MVC testing revealed that the force loss between measurements without and with skates amounts to 25%, while biceps femoris and soleus showed decreased muscle activity and peroneus longus, tibialis anterior, as well as rectus femoris exhibited increased muscle activity. The results of this study depict evidence that the skating times and speeds are primarily influenced by concentric MVC strength of the leg extensors. To be able to transfer the strength onto ice in an optimal way, it is necessary to stabilize the knee and ankle joints.

Multiplayer tracking system for short track speed skating

In this study, the authors propose a novel and effective short track speed skating tracking system. Aimed at several challenging tracking problems of short track skating: long‐time occlusion and complex group situations, size variations, similar or identical uniforms, fast motion speed, quick orientation changes etc.; a novel fuzzy model is proposed to initialise contours of skaters even they wear the same kind of uniform. Then, a novel approach for multiple object tracking is developed to track skaters reliably. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can solve the above challenging problems very effectively. The information provided by the proposed system, including trajectories, velocity analysis and two‐dimensional reconstruction animations, is valuable to broadcasters, athletes and coaches alike. The proposed tracking algorithm can obtain better results than that by the other eight state‐of‐the‐art trackers in short track speed skating tracking.

FLUID BALANCE IN ELITE SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATERS

The aim of this study was to investigate sweat loss in elite short track speed skaters across 6 different training sessions over a three day period, and sweat sodium loss...

The Vancouver ‘big six’ gender-framed: NBC's prime-time coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

This study represents the first attempt to content-analyse on-air commentary surrounding the six ‘major’ Winter Olympic sports, operationalized as any event receiving at least three hours of aggregate prime-time coverage on the NBC broadcast network. Analysis of all 64 hours of NBC's prime-time coverage of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games revealed 26 significantly different dialogue trends between male and female athletes. Gendered differences in the attribution of athletic success and failure were found in figure skating, alpine skiing and short-track speed skating, but not in bobsledding, freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Gendered differences in personality/physicality descriptors were found in alpine skiing, bobsled, figure skating, freestyle skiing and snowboarding, but not in short-track speed skating. Overall, figure skating generated the most gendered differences in commentary, while snowboarding and freestyle skiing had the fewest differences.

Biomechanical Analysis of Starting Action on an Outstanding Short Track Speed Skating Female Athlete

The first three steps of staring action of a superb female athlete, who is in the Short track speed skating teamin Jilin province, were analyzed by Simi motion-Biomechanical Analysis System. Through an Analysis of Parameter by the Theory of Sports Biomechanics, we know the spending time and length of each step of the first three steps. After we compare our local Short Track Speed Skaters with those who are famous in china and the whole world, in the field of Technical characteristics and technical movements of start action, we find that for our local athletes, their consumed time of the first step among the first three steps is more than that spent by excellent Short Track Speed Skating female athletes in Our country and the world, but as for the length, theirs are shorter.

쇼트트랙 스피드 스케이트 운동시 하지 관절각 분석

Objective: This study, which is conducted on two groups of skilled people and unskilled people, is purposed to analyze joint angle of lower extremity during short track speed skating, in order to find out efficient body position and propose ideal training method. Background: Short Track Speed Skating has a wide range of research areas, but their findings indicate a promising area for further research. Method: Targeting 8 people who are skilled in short track speed skating and 8 people who are not skilled in it, this study analyzes three dimensional images using super-high speed camera to compare differences between these two groups of people. In this study, 6 sections of body positions including right foot push-off, right foot recovery, right foot basic position, left foot push-off, left foot recovery, and left foot basic position were analyzed using 8 super-high speed cameras of VICON. These body positions were analyzed in order to find out joint angles of the hip joint, the knee joint, and the ankle joint. Results: In the section 4 of the inner and outer parts of the left hip angles showed significant difference, and most of the sections of knee joint angles also showed significant difference. In the section 1 and 2 of the plantar flexion, dorsiflexion of ankle joints showed significant difference(p< .001) Conclusion: It was found out that there were differences between groups of skilled people and unskilled people in terms of lower extremity’s joint angles such as angles of the hip joint, the knee joint, and the ankle joint.

Effect of Race Distance on Muscle Oxygenation in Short-Track Speed Skating

Previous work identified an asymmetry in tissue desaturation changes in the left and right quadriceps muscles during on-ice skating at maximal speed in males. The effect of changing race distance on the magnitude of desaturation or leg asymmetry is unknown. Six elite male skaters (age = 23 ± 1.8 yr, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 80.1 ± 5.7 kg, midthigh skinfold thickness = 7 ± 2 mm) and four elite female skaters (age = 21 ± 4 yr, height = 1.6 ± 0.1 m, mass = 65.2 ± 4.3 kg, midthigh skinfold thickness = 10 ± 1 mm) were studied. Subjects completed time trials over three race distances. Blood lactate concentration and O2 uptake measurements were combined with near-infrared spectroscopy measures of muscle oxygenation (TSI) and blood volume (tHb) in the right and left vastus lateralis. Neither race distance nor gender had a significant effect on the magnitude of maximal muscle desaturation (ΔTSI(max)). Pattern of local changes in tHb during individual laps was dependent upon subtle differences in skating technique used for the different race distances. Linear regression analysis revealed asymmetry between the right and left leg desaturation in males during the final stages of each race distance, but not in females. At all race distances, local muscle desaturation reached maximal values much more quickly than global VO(2peak). The use of wearable near-infrared spectroscopy devices enabled measurement of muscle oxygenation during competitive race simulation, thus providing unique insight into the effects of velocity and technique changes on local muscle oxygenation. This may have implications for training and race pacing in speed skating.

Regional Cerebellar Volume Reflects Static Balance in Elite Female Short-Track Speed Skaters

The cerebellum plays a critical role in balance control. Particularly, elite short-track speed skaters require fine postural control to keep a postural balance during high velocity movement across smooth ice. We investigated whether skating proficiency and gender have an effect on the volume of cerebellar subregions and static balance, using 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging volumetry. In addition, we further analyzed which subregions of the cerebellum correlates with the balance. The volumes of cerebellar subregions and static balance index were compared among 12 male and 11 female elite short-track speed skaters, and 11 male and 14 female healthy matched subjects. We found significant main effects of skating proficiency and gender on the volume of vermian lobule VI-VII (declive, folium, and tuber), short-track speed skaters having greater volume than control and women revealing greater volume than men. Especially, in female athletic group, the volume of vermian lobule VI-VII significantly correlates with left static balance. In addition, men showed larger skating proficiency-related differences than women in the performance of static balance. The correlation between the volume of this region and static balance in female short-track speed skaters suggests that this region would plays a critical role in balance.

Asymmetry of Quadriceps Muscle Oxygenation during Elite Short-Track Speed Skating

It has been suggested that, because of the low sitting position in short-track speed skating, muscle blood flow is restricted, leading to decreases in tissue oxygenation. Therefore, wearable wireless-enabled near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology was used to monitor changes in quadriceps muscle blood volume and oxygenation during a 500-m race simulation in short-track speed skaters. Six elite skaters, all of Olympic standard (age = 23 ± 1.8 yr, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 80.1 ± 5.7 kg, midthigh skinfold thickness = 7 ± 2 mm), were studied. Subjects completed a 500-m race simulation time trial (TT). Whole-body oxygen consumption was simultaneously measured with muscle oxygenation in right and left vastus lateralis as measured by NIRS. Mean time for race completion was 44.8 ± 0.4 s. VO2 peaked 20 s into the race. In contrast, muscle tissue oxygen saturation (TSI%) decreased and plateaued after 8 s. Linear regression analysis showed that right leg TSI% remained constant throughout the rest of the TT (slope value = 0.01), whereas left leg TSI% increased steadily (slope value = 0.16), leading to a significant asymmetry (P < 0.05) in the final lap. Total muscle blood volume decreased equally in both legs at the start of the simulation. However, during subsequent laps, there was a strong asymmetry during cornering; when skaters traveled solely on the right leg, there was a decrease in its muscle blood volume, whereas an increase was seen in the left leg. NIRS was shown to be a viable tool for wireless monitoring of muscle oxygenation. The asymmetry in muscle desaturation observed on the two legs in short-track speed skating has implications for training and performance.

The influence of helmet size and shape on peak linear decelerations when impacting crash pads

During training and competition in short track speed skating, skaters commonly fall on the ice and slide into crash pads that line the boards of the rink. Skaters wear helmets to protect their heads from such impacts. Nevertheless, concussion injuries are not uncommon, especially from impacts into the crash pads. Basic mechanical principles suggest that, all other things being equal, smaller sized and rounder shaped helmets should reduce peak impact forces when hitting relatively soft crash pads. This study validates these assumptions and determines the magnitude of these effects using drop tests and a 3D accelerometer. Hemispherical head forms of various radii, each weighing approx. 4.5kg, were dropped from four heights (0.3-4.0 m) onto a crash pad. Peak linear decelerations were recorded. In one set of tests, complete hemispheres were used, highlighting the effect of helmet size (radius). In a second set of tests, another set of hemispheres of various radii were sliced to produce caps each with a diameter of 8” but each with a different radius of curvature. Impact tests at four drop heights using these caps revealed the effect of helmet shape. Size was found to be more important than shape, with the greatest effects being in the 10-20cm radius range, a range which is relevant to helmets used in the sport today.

The Lower Muscles Force Features of Elite Short Track Athletes and Regression Analysis of their 500m Results

In order to point out the relationship between the lower muscles force and 500m result f6r short track speed skating, the knee and ankle muscle strength of elite male skating athletes is measured and analyzed by IsoMed 2000 isokinetic testing system. Based on the features of athletes’ muscle strength, the study tends to find out the differences and drawbacks in short track speed skating athletes and to make further discussion on the laws and determinations of the event. The main conclusions are as follows: 500m result of elite male short track skating athletes are determined by that the muscle performances of fast speed, which including force opportunity, power ability and max-strength ability; the knee muscles are more important than that of the ankle’s; the strength with technique is the core factor for result.

Medical facilities and encounters at the 2010 vancouver winter olympic games

BackgroundEpidemiological data and logistical details are crucial pieces of information for organisers of medical care at mass sporting events.ObjectiveTo outline the medical facilities at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and...

Combined sensorimotor and resistance training for young short track speed skaters: A case study

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a combined sensorimotor - resistance training on muscle strength and neuromuscular activation of selective muscles of the right ankle joint. Both treatments were performed successively in each training session. Seven short track speed skaters participated in the study. The training was performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Maximum peak torque during inversion/eversion, the associated neuromuscular activation of soleus and peroneus longus as well as eversion/inversion ratio were measured in a pre- and post-test, respectively. After the training the athletes revealed a significantly increased maximum peak torque during inversion (17.47 ± 4.37N · m vs. 23.57 ± 3.58N · m; p = 0.006) associated with a significantly increased root mean square of the EMG signal in the soleus (12.42 ± 6.09mV vs. 24.00 ± 9.37mV; p = 0.009). The eversion/inversion ratio was significantly decreased after training (0.96 ± 0.12 vs. 0.77 ± 0.11; p = 0.034). Eversion training adaptations were lower than inversion training adaptations probably due to the fact that resistance training did not contain an exercise for peroneus longus. Based on these the combined sensorimotor-resistance training is an attractive option for athletes where maximum strength, active joint stabilization and postural control plays a decisive role.

Near Infrared Spectroscopy Measurements Of Muscle Metabolism In Elite Short-track Speed Skaters During On-ice Race Simulation

PURPOSE: To gain real-time information pertaining to the concentration and oxygenation changes of haemoglobin in the vastus lateralis muscle during short track race simulation, by using the wireless capabilities of a recently developed portable NIRS device. METHODS: A dual wavelength NIRS device was placed on both the right and left leg of each subject, positioned midway between the greater trachanter of the femur and the lateral epicondyl. Subjects were 6 male elite short track speed skaters, all of whom were members of the Great Britain Olympic squad (age: 22 ± 3 years, height: 172.6 ± 11.79 cm, mass: 70.75 ± 12.43 kg, mid-thigh skin fold thickness: 6.97 ± 1.3 mm). Each subject completed a race simulation for 2 Olympic race distances: 500m and 1500m. Changes in muscle oxyhaemoglobin, muscle deoxyhaemoglobin, heart rate, global oxygen consumption (VO2) and a video record were analysed for each race. RESULTS: Immediately following the start of 500m race there was an initial drop from baseline in total haemoglobin concentration as a consequence of constriction of the muscle (-5.96 ±1.6 μM). However, by the end of the race simulation, muscle haemoglobin concentration had increased significantly (+9.52 ± 8.69 μM), presumably consequent to a change in vessel diameter and blood flow. Significant differences between the right and left leg were seen at different phases of the lap. Most notably, during the 500m race, when skaters travel around the apex of the bend supported solely on the right leg ('hang' phase), the right leg shows a rapid drop in total blood haemoglobin, -6.7 ±1.06 μM, whereas the left leg shows no such drop, +2.1 ±0.6 μM. During the 1500 m athletes make less use of the hang phase, and this difference between right and left leg is not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that real-time NIRS measurements have been made of elite short track speeds skaters under on-ice race simulation conditions. The wireless capability of the NIRS device used allowed real-time monitoring of muscle oxygenation and blood volume. The difference in skating styles during events of different distances, reflected in changes in oxyhaemoglobin and deoxyhaemoglobin concentrations, is likely to map onto key haemodynamic (blood flow) and metabolic (oxygen consumption) parameters.

쇼트트랙 스피드스케이팅 선수용 심리기술척도 개발

쇼트트랙 스피드스케이팅 선수용 심리기술척도 개발

Performance Analysis of World Class Short Track Speed Skating: What Does It Take To Win?

The purpose of this investigation was to examine race tactics in World Cup and World Championship speed skating finals (2003-2004) over 500m, 1000m and 1500m. The fastest average lap time for men and women in the 500m was 8.60±0.16 and 9.20±0.28s; 1000m 9.14±0.26 and 9.52±0.27s; 1500m 9.25±0.25 and 9.65±0.31s, respectively. For 500m, 1000m and 1500m, the men’s winner led 71%, 57% and 52% of the time respectively with four laps to go. With three laps remaining, the women’s winner led 57%, 40% and 43% of the time. Overtaking passes was evenly distributed on all areas of the track in the 500m. To obtain the lead position in the 1000m, >75% of overtaking passes occurred going into a corner, while the ability to overtake on the inside and outside was evenly divided. For the 1500m, overtaking passes was evenly distributed on all areas of the track for women; but 60% of overtaking passes took place going into the corner for men. Overtaking passes on the outside occurred 60% of the time for men while 66% of the women overtook on the inside. Overtaking passing tactics of winning skaters can be helpful for those coaching short track speed skaters to become champions.