Citation

de Groot G, Hollander AP, Sargeant AJ, van Ingen Schenau GJ, de Boer RW. J. Sports Sci. 1987; 5(3): 249-259.

Affiliation

Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02640418708729780

PMID

3453406

Abstract

Speed skating exercise can be better understood by taking account of physiological and biomechanical considerations. Comparison with other sports shows the unique and peculiar way of skating propulsion. The relatively long lasting isometric muscle contractions during the gliding phase, alternated with high power output push-offs, place unusual demands on the (local) energy delivering systems. The short and explosive push-off needs a specific pattern of motor unit recruitment. Some mixture of slow twitch (to sustain skating posture) and fast twitch fibres (to effect push off) in the hip and knee extensors seems necessary for optimal skating performance.

Language: en