Open AccessA simulation of speed skating performances based on a power equation
Author(s) -
G.J. van Ingen Schenau,
Jos J. de Koning,
G. de Groot
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
medicine and science in sports and exercise
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.703
H-Index - 224
eISSN - 1530-0315
pISSN - 0195-9131
DOI - 10.1249/00005768-199010000-00026
Subject(s) - speed skating , anaerobic exercise , power (physics) , acceleration , simulation , kinetic energy , mathematics , physics , computer science , thermodynamics , classical mechanics , physical therapy , medicine
Using kinetics of aerobic and anaerobic power production as measured during supramaximal bicycle tests of five speed skaters of international level, a model of the kinetics of power production during skating is obtained. Velocity time courses of a generalized speed skater were calculated for all Olympic distances (500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 5000 m, and 10,000 m) by means of simulation of an equation of produced power, power dissipated to air and ice friction, and rate of change of kinetic energy of the skater. Different strategies of distribution of anaerobic energy during a race were compared. With a single equation it appeared to be possible to simulate the mean split and final times of the five distances realized during the Winter Olympics 1988 within an error which does not exceed 1.6% (mean error in final times: 0.8%). The results show that a fast acceleration (high initial power output) is crucial for the sprinting events (500 m and 1000 m). It is shown that this initial power output level is even more important than the total amount of energy available for a 500 m and 1000 m race. For the long distances the simulations show that skaters should combine a fast but short lasting start with a constant power output following the start in order to minimize air frictional losses.