EFFECTS OF FATIGUE ON FORWARD, MAXIMUM VELOCITY IN ICE HOCKEY SKATING

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to compare the skating mechanics of skilled and less skilled hockey skaters under fatigued and non-fatigued conditions. 14 subjects participated in the skating task. Each was video taped from two views on three occasions during a 380 m task. The first occasion was considered non-fatigued and the latter two fatigued conditions. The video was analysed via a three dimensional APAS. The independent variables were skill level and fatigue level. Several dependent variables reflecting skating mechanics were also measured. Statistical analysis indicated several changes accompanying fatigue. The variables affected included stride length, skating velocity, and range of motion and angular velocities in the lower limbs. It was concluded that fatigue does have significant detrimental affects on skaters at both skill levels prompting rapid redeployment during game situations.