Abstract
Athletes' force-power characteristics influence sled velocity during the skeleton start, which is a crucial determinant of performance. This study characterised force-power profile changes across an 18-month period and investigated the associations between these changes and start performance.
METHODS:
Seven elite- and five talent-squad skeleton athletes' (representing 80% of registered athletes in the country) force-power profiles and dry-land push-track performances were assessed at multiple time-points over two 6-month training periods and one 5-month competition season. Force-power profiles were evaluated using an incremental leg-press test (Keiser A420) and 15-m sled velocity was recorded using photocells.
RESULTS:
Across the initial maximum strength development phases, increases in maximum force (Fmax) and decreases in maximum velocity (Vmax) were typically observed. These changes were greater for talent (23.6 and -12.5%, respectively) compared with elite (6.1 and -7.6%, respectively) athletes. Conversely, decreases in Fmax (elite: -6.7%; talent: -10.3%) and increases in Vmax (elite: 8.1%; talent: 7.7%) were observed across the winter period, regardless of whether athletes were competing (elite) or accumulating sliding experience (talent). When the training emphasis shifted towards higher-velocity, sprint-based exercises in the second training season, force-power profiles seemed to become more velocity-oriented (higher Vmax and more negative force-velocity gradient) which was associated with greater improvements in sled velocity (r = 0.42 and -0.45, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:
These unique findings demonstrate the scope to influence force-power generating capabilities in well-trained skeleton athletes across different training phases. In order to enhance start performance, it seems important to place particular emphasis on increasing maximum muscle contraction velocity.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 412-419 |
| Journal | International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 5 Sep 2017 |
| DOIs | |
| Status | Published - 1 Apr 2018 |
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Training-related changes in force-power profiles: implications for skeleton start performance. / Colyer, Steffi L.; Stokes, Keith A.; Bilzon, James L.J.; Holdcroft, Danny; Salo, Aki I.T.
In: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, Vol. 13, No. 4, 01.04.2018, p. 412-419.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Training-related changes in force-power profiles: implications for skeleton start performance
AU - Colyer,Steffi L.
AU - Stokes,Keith A.
AU - Bilzon,James L.J.
AU - Holdcroft,Danny
AU - Salo,Aki I.T.
PY - 2018/4/1
Y1 - 2018/4/1
N2 - PURPOSE:Athletes' force-power characteristics influence sled velocity during the skeleton start, which is a crucial determinant of performance. This study characterised force-power profile changes across an 18-month period and investigated the associations between these changes and start performance.METHODS:Seven elite- and five talent-squad skeleton athletes' (representing 80% of registered athletes in the country) force-power profiles and dry-land push-track performances were assessed at multiple time-points over two 6-month training periods and one 5-month competition season. Force-power profiles were evaluated using an incremental leg-press test (Keiser A420) and 15-m sled velocity was recorded using photocells.RESULTS:Across the initial maximum strength development phases, increases in maximum force (Fmax) and decreases in maximum velocity (Vmax) were typically observed. These changes were greater for talent (23.6 and -12.5%, respectively) compared with elite (6.1 and -7.6%, respectively) athletes. Conversely, decreases in Fmax (elite: -6.7%; talent: -10.3%) and increases in Vmax (elite: 8.1%; talent: 7.7%) were observed across the winter period, regardless of whether athletes were competing (elite) or accumulating sliding experience (talent). When the training emphasis shifted towards higher-velocity, sprint-based exercises in the second training season, force-power profiles seemed to become more velocity-oriented (higher Vmax and more negative force-velocity gradient) which was associated with greater improvements in sled velocity (r = 0.42 and -0.45, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:These unique findings demonstrate the scope to influence force-power generating capabilities in well-trained skeleton athletes across different training phases. In order to enhance start performance, it seems important to place particular emphasis on increasing maximum muscle contraction velocity.
AB - PURPOSE:Athletes' force-power characteristics influence sled velocity during the skeleton start, which is a crucial determinant of performance. This study characterised force-power profile changes across an 18-month period and investigated the associations between these changes and start performance.METHODS:Seven elite- and five talent-squad skeleton athletes' (representing 80% of registered athletes in the country) force-power profiles and dry-land push-track performances were assessed at multiple time-points over two 6-month training periods and one 5-month competition season. Force-power profiles were evaluated using an incremental leg-press test (Keiser A420) and 15-m sled velocity was recorded using photocells.RESULTS:Across the initial maximum strength development phases, increases in maximum force (Fmax) and decreases in maximum velocity (Vmax) were typically observed. These changes were greater for talent (23.6 and -12.5%, respectively) compared with elite (6.1 and -7.6%, respectively) athletes. Conversely, decreases in Fmax (elite: -6.7%; talent: -10.3%) and increases in Vmax (elite: 8.1%; talent: 7.7%) were observed across the winter period, regardless of whether athletes were competing (elite) or accumulating sliding experience (talent). When the training emphasis shifted towards higher-velocity, sprint-based exercises in the second training season, force-power profiles seemed to become more velocity-oriented (higher Vmax and more negative force-velocity gradient) which was associated with greater improvements in sled velocity (r = 0.42 and -0.45, respectively).CONCLUSIONS:These unique findings demonstrate the scope to influence force-power generating capabilities in well-trained skeleton athletes across different training phases. In order to enhance start performance, it seems important to place particular emphasis on increasing maximum muscle contraction velocity.
U2 - 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0110
DO - 10.1123/ijspp.2017-0110
M3 - Article
VL - 13
SP - 412
EP - 419
JO - International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
T2 - International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
JF - International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
SN - 1555-0265
IS - 4
ER -