A Biomechanical Comparison of Starting

Technique in Speed Skating and Hockey

Brian Shackel
Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothque et Archives Canada, 2008 - 216 pginas
0 Reseas
The purpose of the study was to determine the most effective joint movements, velocities and
body positions to perform the fastest start in ice hockey and the fastest start in short track speed
skating in female athletes. Secondary purposes included determining which kinematic variables
were different between speed skaters and hockey players as well as determining which
variables were significant predictors of velocity at six meters. Thirteen hockey players and 11
speed skaters were filmed for the study, performing a start from a stationary position and
skating through a 12 meter testing zone. Forty four variables were measured, with 25 of the
variables being measured at skate touchdown and push off for the first three strides of the start.
Variables were measured using Dartfish Team Pro 4.5.2 with Microsoft Excel and StatView
being used for statistical analysis. Speed skaters were shown to skate with a faster velocity at
six meters, however, this result was not statistically significant with a p-value of 0.07. Correlation
analysis and forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed on both the speed
skating group and the hockey group in order to determine which variables were significant
predictors of velocity at six meters. Foot placement relative to the hip at third foot touchdown
was determined to have the strongest predictive effect on velocity (r = -0.711) for the hockey
players, however, time in double support at second foot touchdown was suggested (r = -0.781)
for the speed skating group. Several significant differences in skating technique were noted
during the initial ready position and the first step, however, with each successive step more
similarities in technique were present between the two groups. Hockey players could benefit
from assuming body positions more similar to speed skaters during the start to increase skating
velocity