Technique Stability and sEMG Characteristics of Speed Skating Support Phase in Female Elite Speed Skaters

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the technique stability and sEMG characteristics in female elite speed skaters. Subjects and methods: Five female speed skaters in national team were taken as subjects,their supporting legs' sEMG and video of speed skating were collected simultaneously,and their technique stabilities and sEMG characteristics were analyzed by their legs both in flexion and extension. Results: Anterior tibial muscle and quadriceps femoris muscle are the main muscles to keep stable. Five athletes' sEMG have very similar change during speed skating support phase. sEMG in each step is highly related to individual's average sEMG,and the contribution of each muscle is stable. Conclusion: Elite speed skater's supporting technique of both legs on straightway is stable,anterior tibial muscle and quadriceps femoris are the main contributing muscles.The fist recruited muscle is anterior tibial muscle,followed by quadriceps femoris muscle,posterior femoris muscle and gastrocnemius muscle. The muscle working the longest time is quadriceps femoris muscle,followed by anterior tibial muscle,posterior femoris muscle and gastrocnemius muscle. Suggestion: Strength training of quadriceps femoris muscle should be highlighted,strength training of anterior tibial muscle can be long-time with small load,and gastrocnemius muscle's strength in special working conditions should be reinforced by training properly.