Kinematic Analysis of the Technique for 500-m Speed Skaters in Curving

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the kinematic characteristics of the national speed skaters in the curve phase of 500-m race. Method: Seven national skaters participated in the study. Race images were acquired using a high - speed camera, and the three-dimensional motion was analyzed. Results: For skaters, whose average velocity in the curve phase is high, the velocity of entry into the straight phase was also fast. The fast skaters showed a larger maximum angle of extension of the knee joints than the relatively slow skaters, and the trunk ROM was smaller. Fast skaters tended to match the timing of the movement of the lower limb with the pelvis, while slow skaters tended to rotate the left pelvis backward. The velocity of the curve phase did not show a clear relationship with stroke time, average trunk angle, and lap time. Conclusion: It is important to skate close to the inner line, keep the trunk ROM below 10 degrees, extend the knee angle to over 160 degrees, and match the movement of the pelvis and lower limb to accelerate in the curve phase. The average velocity of the curves was fast for many athletes, but the competition rankings were low. Therefore, it is possible to improve the performance by optimizing the start technique, the running characteristics of the straight phase, and the physical factors.