SKATING TECHNIQUE FOR THE STRAIGHTS, BASED ON THE OPTIMIZATION OF A SIMULATION-MODEL

Although experimental data have been collected to determine the skatin g techniques of the fastest skaters in the world, the ''ideal'' skatin g technique has not been determined (i.e., stroke time, glide time, pu sh-off velocity, and push-off direction). The purpose of this study wa s to determine the skating technique that results in the fastest stead y-state speed on a straight-away using optimization of a simulation mo del. A dynamic model of a skater was developed that included anatomica l and physiological constraints: leg length, instantaneous power, and average power of a skater. Results from the model demonstrate that a n umber of skating techniques can be used to achieve the same steady-sta te speed. Increasing the average power output of a skater raises the t op skating speed and decreases the range of optimal skating techniques . Increasing instantaneous power output (i.e., increasing isometric st rength) increases the range of techniques a skater may use for a given speed. In the future, this model can be applied to individual skaters to determine if changes in technique or if improvements in power prod uction are necessary to improve their steady-state skating speed. This model may be adapted to skating sports, such as speed skating, in-lin e skating, hockey, and cross-country skiing.