Author(s): LESCH, K., RUOTSALAINEN, K., KANANEN, T., PIIRAINEN, J., Institution: UNIVERCITY OF JYVÄSKYLÄ, Country: FINLAND, Abstract-ID: 1324

INTRODUCTION:
Short‑track speed skating involves executing tight curves at high speeds, producing substantial vertical and lateral reaction forces (van der Krug et al. 2018). Assessing performance requires force‑instrumented blade cups with sufficient capacity together with speed tracking. Ultra‑wideband (UWB) local positioning systems (LPS) enable accurate speed measurement and allow synchronized integration of position, speed, and concurrently collected force data. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of combining a custom force‑measurement blade cup with UWB‑based positioning for short‑track speed skating performance assessment.
METHODS:
One competitive skater (175 cm, 70 kg) completed on‑ice trials at three self‑selected speeds (v1 = 8.14 m/s; v2 = 9.51 m/s; v3 = 11.07 m/s) with v3 performed close to maximal speed). Instrumentation was implemented in all four blade cups. The blade cup was specifically designed to function as a force transducer capable of measuring both vertical and lateral forces, with nominal capacities of 1600 N and 400 N, respectively. Highest peak forces were extracted from start/acceleration and steady‑speed phases, and force signals were synchronized with LPS‑derived (Iiwari Tracking Solutions, Vuokatti, Finland) speed data to examine force–speed sensitivity.
RESULTS:
Peak forces increased with speed, indicating clear sensitivity to intensity. Acceleration produced Fz = 1535 N and Fx = 448 N. At steady speed, forces were Fz = 1083 N and Fx = 245 N (v1), Fz = 1062 N and Fx = 317 N (v2), and Fz = 1193 N and Fx = 364 N (v3). Vertical load capacity was adequate across all conditions, whereas lateral forces exceeded nominal limits during acceleration. Within the push‑off cycle, the force pattern indicated a progressive anterior shift of the center of pressure (CoP) load toward the forefoot as the stroke approached its end.
CONCLUSION:
The instrumented blade cup combined with LPS enables on‑ice monitoring of force production and speed and demonstrated sensitivity to speed‑dependent changes. Vertical capacity was sufficient, but lateral capacity was marginal for strong push‑offs, suggesting the need for higher nominal limits for stronger skaters and high‑intensity use. A practical limitation was that skating forces approached the structural limits of the custom device. Future development should include a universal mounting interface to accommodate athletes’ own blades. The system shows promise for applied training, technique assessment, and longitudinal monitoring in junior skaters.