The aim of this study was to analyze asymmetry of lower extremity biomechanics during countermovement jump of elite short track speed skaters and speed skaters. Peak vertical force and peak power were assessed from each extremity using bilateral force...
The aim of this study was to analyze asymmetry of lower extremity biomechanics during countermovement jump of elite short track speed skaters and speed skaters. Peak vertical force and peak power were assessed from each extremity using bilateral force plates (Bertec, USA; 1000Hz) during a countermovement jump in 24 Ice skaters (short track speed skaters: age=20(3)years, hight=168(7)cm, mass=63(7)kg, career=13(3)years, 6M/7F; speed skaters: age=20(3)years, hight=174(6)cm, mass=70(11)kg, career=11(3)years, 6M/5F). Muscle strengths of hip and knee joint were measured using Humac Norm (Humac Norm, CSMI, USA; 60deg/sec) in 23 Ice skaters (short track speed skaters: 5M/7F; speed skaters: 6M/5F). Two-way ANOVA was performed to determine the influence of events and gender on asymmetry of lower limb biomechanics during the countermovement jump. Fight time of male showed longer than female (F(1,20)=552.250, p=.027). Asymmetric index of peak vertical ground reaction force in short track speed skaters was demonstrated greater than speed skaters (F(1,20)=852.252, p=.022). Short track speed skate was significantly greater asymmetric index in eccentric phase, compared with speed skaters (F(1,20)=288.589, p=.037). Significant difference between short track speed stakers and speed skaters in asymmetric index of knee extensor indicates stronger right leg in short track speed skaters and stronger left leg in speed skater for female athletes (p=.002). The conclusion of this study was suggested to use an index of predicting performance and preventing injury through asymmetry analysis using countermovement jump.