The influence of changes in sprint ability on the sled velocity profile during the skeleton start
Year: 2016
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Sprint times are key predictors of skeleton start performance, but the effect of enhancing sprint ability on the development of sled velocity is unknown.Twelve well-trained skeleton athletes performed three dry-land push-starts and three 30-m sprints before and after 16 training weeks.Sled velocity profiles were characterised using three descriptors (pre-load velocity, pre-load distance and load effectiveness) and a sled acceleration index was used to evaluate performance.Increases in pre-load velocity and distance were related to improved sprint times.However, enhanced sprint ability did not guarantee a faster start as reductions in load effectiveness were also observed when higher velocities were attained.Coaches could supplement physical conditioning with load technique training to potentially improve the transfer of training-induced sled velocity increases across the loading phase.
Authors: Steffi Colyer, Keith Stokes, James Bilzon, Aki Salo
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Research Councils UK
Award: G8060463550
OpenAlex ID: W2545707936