OPTIMUM MOVEMENT CO-ORDINATION IN MULTI-REVOLUTION JUMPS IN FIGURE SKATING

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Numerous skaters now attempt triple Axels and quadruple toe loops in competition. In figure skating one of the essential problems is to increase vertical velocity at take-off and also landing from a height of 0,60 – 0,65m (maximum height of the body mass centre) and rotation speed of 1800 degrees/s. These difficult jumps require enormous jumping power abilities. For a better effect in training of the specific requirements investigations between the take-off and landing are necessary to find purposeful training exercises and to define these necessary presuppositions. METHODS: Investigations into vertical jumps with maximum rotations on the force platform and Triple Axel – Triple Toe loop – Combinations on the ice. A PEAK5 Motion Measurement System was used to perform a three-dimensional analysis of the jumps and to compute the angular momentum, angular velocity, vertical acceleration and the mechanical performance. Measurements on the force platform – vertical jumps with and without rotations from one foot and two feet. Recording elecromyographical activities of several muscles - of essential muscles, which are recruited in jumps during take-off and landing. RESULTS: 1. Different techniques or mistakes were found for different contraction samples of the muscles. From these investigations we could draw conclusions for purposeful power workouts, identify exercises to overcome muscular deficiencies. 2. For a safe landing following multi-revolution jumps a pre-inervation of leg muscles is necessary. So the landing power can be compensated as well as a too rough impact. Accordingly the relation of two different landing techniques in the Triple Axel with different moment of inertia has shown that the technique with the lower moment of inertia requires a higher performance in the landing compared with the take-off.