Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance

This study aimed to determine the effects of technique asymmetry on 500 m straight-track speed skating performance. We analyzed 20 elite skaters, measuring their joint angles, center of mass shift, and times and speeds during the gliding and push-off phases. The technique asymmetry index (ASI) was c...

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Main Authors: Zimeng Liu, Meilin Ding, Masen Zhang, Bing Yu, Hui Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-09-01
Series:Bioengineering
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/11/9/899
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author Zimeng Liu
Meilin Ding
Masen Zhang
Bing Yu
Hui Liu
author_facet Zimeng Liu
Meilin Ding
Masen Zhang
Bing Yu
Hui Liu
author_sort Zimeng Liu
collection DOAJ
description This study aimed to determine the effects of technique asymmetry on 500 m straight-track speed skating performance. We analyzed 20 elite skaters, measuring their joint angles, center of mass shift, and times and speeds during the gliding and push-off phases. The technique asymmetry index (ASI) was calculated for each parameter, and paired <i>t</i>-tests were used to compare bilateral asymmetry. Spearman correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between the ASI and both the average straight track speed and overall performance. Significant bilateral asymmetries in the knee, push-off, trunk, and hip angles were found in both male and female participants (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The male participants demonstrated a higher right push-off speed (<i>p</i> = 0.029) and a longer left gliding time (<i>p</i> = 0.048). Significant asymmetry was also observed in the lateral shift of the center of mass during each phase of the straight-track skating gait cycle (<i>p</i> < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the ASIs and the overall performance (<i>p</i> ≥ 0.067). These findings indicate that while elite speed skaters demonstrated significant bilateral technique asymmetry in straight track skating, these asymmetries did not significantly impact their overall performance.
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spelling doaj-art-e62c0fb5c4364d2ca533368ffa9d56f62025-08-20T01:56:00ZengMDPI AGBioengineering2306-53542024-09-0111989910.3390/bioengineering11090899Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating PerformanceZimeng Liu0Meilin Ding1Masen Zhang2Bing Yu3Hui Liu4School of Sport Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, ChinaTianshui Sports Bureau, Tianshui 741000, ChinaDepartment of Physical Education, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, ChinaCenter for Human Movement Science, Division of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USAChina Institute of Sports and Health, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, ChinaThis study aimed to determine the effects of technique asymmetry on 500 m straight-track speed skating performance. We analyzed 20 elite skaters, measuring their joint angles, center of mass shift, and times and speeds during the gliding and push-off phases. The technique asymmetry index (ASI) was calculated for each parameter, and paired <i>t</i>-tests were used to compare bilateral asymmetry. Spearman correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between the ASI and both the average straight track speed and overall performance. Significant bilateral asymmetries in the knee, push-off, trunk, and hip angles were found in both male and female participants (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The male participants demonstrated a higher right push-off speed (<i>p</i> = 0.029) and a longer left gliding time (<i>p</i> = 0.048). Significant asymmetry was also observed in the lateral shift of the center of mass during each phase of the straight-track skating gait cycle (<i>p</i> < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the ASIs and the overall performance (<i>p</i> ≥ 0.067). These findings indicate that while elite speed skaters demonstrated significant bilateral technique asymmetry in straight track skating, these asymmetries did not significantly impact their overall performance.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/11/9/899technique symmetryspeed skating performancespeed skating training
spellingShingle Zimeng Liu
Meilin Ding
Masen Zhang
Bing Yu
Hui Liu
Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance
Bioengineering
technique symmetry
speed skating performance
speed skating training
title Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance
title_full Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance
title_fullStr Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance
title_short Effects of Technique Asymmetry on 500 m Speed Skating Performance
title_sort effects of technique asymmetry on 500 m speed skating performance
topic technique symmetry
speed skating performance
speed skating training
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/11/9/899
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AT bingyu effectsoftechniqueasymmetryon500mspeedskatingperformance
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