THE EFFECT OF ACCLIMATIZATION TO THE SKATING TREADMILL

Abstract

The development of the skating treadmill has enabled researchers to investigate the movement patterns of the forward power skating stride in a controlled environment. It has the potential to aid not only researchers but also coaches, traineJs and therapists leading to an end result of improving the overall performance of the athletes themselves. Studies have investigated biomechanical and physiological parameters of forward skating on the skating treadmill. Turcotte et al. (2004) compared plantar forces distribution patterns of on-ice skating to treadmill skating and discovered significantly elevated levels at heel strike. Hinrich (1994) performed a study comparing on/oH muscle activation patterns and concluded that the skating treadmill accurately replicates on-ice skating. Both these studies failed to use a familiarization period to allow the subjects to acclimatize themselves to skating on the polyethylene tiles. Nobes et al. (2003) did use three, thirty minute bouts to allow for acclimatization and noted differences in submaximal V02, HR and stride rate when treadmill skating was compared to on-ice skating. It is unknown if an acclimatization period has an effect on biomechanical or physiological parameters. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine whether an acclimatization period has eHects on 02 consumption, muscle activation pattems and kinematics.