Abstract
This study used a vertical jump model to simulate the push-off phase for a skater using klap speed skates and evaluated the effects of pivot location and shoe base flexion on energy production. Boards of different lengths and one board with a hinge under the metatarsal heads were attached to the running shoes of volunteers. Six skaters performed 3 maximal effort vertical jumps across 5 different base conditions: running shoe, board that hinged under metatarsal heads, and rigid boards that pivoted with the ground at -25 mm (typical pivot location for klapskates), 0 mm, and +25 mm from the toes. There were no significant differences in total energy at takeoff among the 3 rigid base conditions, but there were differences in potential and kinetic energy production. The total and kinetic energy produced at take-off was 9% greater in the hinged base condition than the corresponding rigid base condition. If differences in energy measures from the vertical jump reflect those for skating, a hinged boot base could increase skating speeds by about 3% over the current klapskates, which have a rigid boot base.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 142-156 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Biomechanics |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Human
- Jump
- Shoe/boot base
- Skate
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation