Experimental vertical jump model used to evaluate the pivot location in klap speed skates

Todd L. Allinger, Robert W. Motl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)142-156
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Applied Biomechanics
Volume16
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Human
  • Jump
  • Shoe/boot base
  • Skate

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Rehabilitation

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