Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in posture during push-off phase between an actual speed skating condition and on slide-board, and provide the basis for improvement of slide-boards. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Nine speed skaters participated in the experiment. To obtain kinematic data in these two conditions, two methods were taken under consideration for the recording motion. The push-off phase was defined as the time period from the left toe contact on the ice surface to the right toe off which was normalized to 100 data points. Univariate analysis of variance was used to test if the differences between two groups with changing time frame in the whole push-off phase are significant. Findings: The results show that the distance between the two feet on the slide board was much longer, while the angle of rotation of both feet was much smaller in the entire push-off phase. Also, there was no significant difference in hip angle between two situations. The knee angle was significantly higher at the early stage of push - off, and the ankle angle was higher at the end of the push - off phase during the slide board training than the actual skate situation. In conclusion, design constraints limits the space on the slideboard which effects the kinematic parameters and made the distance between the left and right foot more distant, as well as smaller rotations of the push off foot. Current slideboards prefer hip-bending exercises, but they do not help with stretching exercises on the knees and ankles. Application/Improvements: Therefore, the structural design of the slide board can be improved by allowing the skater to perform forward propulsion, but not propel the knee or ankle explosively in the medial-lateral direction at the end of the push-off phase. 

Keywords: Posture, Push-Off, Skating, Slide-Board