Abstract:
Objective To investigate the performance of bilateral asymmetry in speed skaters using conventional asymmetry testing methods and skating training device to simulate speed skating bend stance.
Methods 11 national speed skaters ranked by the best 5,000 m performance participated in the SJ test, single-leg side stirrups and continuous single-leg side stirrups. All tests were conducted on the single and bilateral sides of athletes, respectively.
Results The increase in bilateral asymmetry was associated with the decrease of the dominant lower-limb (left leg) movement performance. As the number of push-offs increased, the correlation between specific athletic level and the dominant lower-limb decreased, while the correlation with the non-dominant lower-limb (right leg) increased.
Conclusion Muscle strength in the dominant lower-limb is the main factor affecting the performance of speed skaters and bilateral asymmetry. As the number of push-offs by the skaters increased, the impact on the non-dominant side gradually increases. Furthermore, the influence of the non-dominant side increased with the increasing frequency of push-off. It is suggested that athletes can enhance lower-limb muscle strength and reduce bilateral asymmetry by the single-side training of push-off technique imitation drills.
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