Moments of Force, Power, and Muscle Coordination in Speed-Skating

Abstract Two well-trained speed-skaters were subjected to a biomechanical analysis incorporating push-off forces, cinematographic data, and link segment modeling. To gain knowledge on the backgrounds on technique and performance in speed-skating, the muscle coordination was studied by EMG and muscle...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sports medicine 1987-12, Vol.8 (6), p.371-378
Main Authors: de Boer, R. W., Cabri, J., Vaes, W., Clarijs, J. P., Hollander, A. P., de Groot, G., van Ingen Schenau, G. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ankle Joint - physiology
Applied physiology
Biological and medical sciences
Biomechanical Phenomena
Electromyography
Hip Joint - physiology
Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology
Humans
Knee Joint - physiology
Male
Mathematics
Medical sciences
Motion Pictures
Muscle Contraction
Muscles - physiology
Skating
Sports
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Summary:Abstract Two well-trained speed-skaters were subjected to a biomechanical analysis incorporating push-off forces, cinematographic data, and link segment modeling. To gain knowledge on the backgrounds on technique and performance in speed-skating, the muscle coordination was studied by EMG and muscle contraction velocities. In speed-skating during the push-off, the body center of gravity (cg) is accelerated with respect to the point of application of the push-off force, with a forward gliding skate. The velocity of cg is a result of rotation of segments. Due to the absence of plantar flexion of the foot, the knee extension range is limited. The short and explosive push-off can be considered as a catapult-like action. The knee extensor muscles vastus medialis and rectus femoris are prestretched in the gliding phase by the antagonistic action of gastrocnemius and biceps femoris. In this phase the skater rotates his cg from the lateral to the medial side of the skate to reach an optimal push-off angle. The power output in the push-off phase is mainly generated by the monoarticular extensor muscles gluteus maximus and vastus medialis.
ISSN:0172-4622
1439-3964
DOI:10.1055/s-2008-1025688