On the Technique of Speed Skating
Energy model and determinants
Key Findings
The mechanics of speed skating, like many other endurance sports, can be described by an energy-flow equation (abstract)
With that equation the influence of the suit, local (barometric) pressure, altitude, shielding and body position on speed is predicted (abstract)
Beyond the model predictions, the paper discusses the peculiar properties of skating technique and their practical implications for the straights and the curves (abstract)
Full-text content (not checked against the abstract): speed = work per stroke × stroke frequency, with propulsion from a push-off perpendicular to the gliding direction; the deep crouch that lowers air resistance imposes static knee-extensor tension that restricts leg blood flow — a local fatigue mechanism specific to the skating posture; curve technique differs from the straights
Practical Application
Foundational model (van Ingen Schenau): a speed skater's velocity follows an energy-flow equation in which suit, air pressure, altitude, shielding and body position are predictable inputs — the skating analogue of cycling's power-balance model (REF-127); technique for the straights and the curves is treated separately
Speed skater: posture is a trade-off — lower is more aerodynamic, but the static crouch restricts leg blood flow and fatigues the extensors (full text; not checked against the abstract); find the sustainable compromise for the distance
Shielding (drafting) and altitude lower the energy demand — a tactical element and a venue effect (REF-555 for the measured altitude effect)
For an endurance masters athlete: the reason skating "burns the legs" differently from cycling at the same oxygen uptake is the posture-specific blood-flow restriction (full text; not checked against the abstract)
Limitations
A 1987 model (the klapskate was not yet in use — mechanics have since changed)
A theoretical model + elite observations; not all predictions are experimentally validated
The abstract carries no numbers; the mechanistic details above are from the full text
How this entry was checked and changed
Why this level
regraded 2026-09-27 from A: theoretical energy-flow model with technique discussion, no systematic evidence synthesis (leading skating-biomechanics group)
Content correction 2026-09-27
Work-per-stroke × frequency, perpendicular push-off, crouch → blood-flow restriction, curve vs straight push -> not in the abstract; kept with a full-text label
Level A -> B+ (theoretical model/technique review); Sport line "running, speed-skating" -> "speed-skating"