Research on Technical Characteristics and Training Optimization of Starting Technique in Speed Slalom of Freestyle Roller Skating Based on Kinematics and Dynamics

Jingxiao Wei

doi:10.71222/eqk5yj57

Authors

Jingxiao Wei School of General Education, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71222/eqk5yj57

Keywords:

freestyle roller skating, kinematics, dynamics, training, performance, technique

Abstract

This study investigates the starting technique in the speed slalom event of freestyle roller skating from both kinematic and dynamic perspectives, with the aim of providing a scientific basis for performance enhancement. Using a combination of literature review, controlled experiments, and mathematical statistics, the research decomposes the start into distinct phases and systematically examines key spatiotemporal and joint-angle parameters, ground reaction forces, and impulse characteristics. The technical characteristics of elite skaters are summarized in terms of body posture, center-of-mass trajectory, push-off sequence, and force application patterns. On this basis, movement norms, typical parameter ranges, and internal relationships between kinematic variables and dynamic outputs are clarified, highlighting the determinants of rapid acceleration and stability in the initial strides. Guided by these findings, targeted training content and optimization strategies are designed, including specific strength exercises, coordination drills, and start-phase simulation training that emphasize force direction, rate of force development, and technical consistency. The proposed optimization scheme is implemented in practice and its effectiveness is preliminarily verified through comparative performance tests and technical evaluations. The results indicate that structured, biomechanically informed training can significantly improve starting efficiency and technical quality in speed slalom, offering a useful reference for coaches and athletes and contributing to the scientific development and standardization of freestyle roller skating training.

References

1. A. Rebelo, M. J. Valamatos, S. Franco, and F. Tavares, "Physical and physiological characteristics of female artistic roller skaters based on discipline and level of expertise," Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 30-38, 2022.

2. D. A. Winter, "Kinematic and kinetic patterns in human gait: variability and compensating effects," Human Movement Science, vol. 3, no. 1-2, pp. 51-76, 1984.

3. A. Dujaka and Z. Metaj, "Biomechanic analysis on the slalom turn speed with top skiers," 2014.

4. D. Lafontaine, "Three-dimensional kinematics of the knee and ankle joints for three consecutive push-offs during ice hockey skating starts," Sports Biomechanics, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 391-406, 2007.

5. S. Khuu, L. L. Musalem, and T. A. Beach, "Verbal instructions acutely affect drop vertical jump biomechanics—implications for athletic performance and injury risk assessments," The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, vol. 29, no. 10, pp. 2816-2826, 2015.

6. Ø. Sandbakk, G. Ettema, and H. C. Holmberg, "The influence of incline and speed on work rate, gross efficiency and kinematics of roller ski skating," European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 112, no. 8, pp. 2829-2838, 2012.

7. T. Stöggl and H. C. Holmberg, "Three-dimensional force and kinematic interactions in V1 skating at high speeds," Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 47, no. 6, pp. 1232-1242, 2015.

8. B. Kvamme, V. Jakobsen, S. Hetland, and G. Smith, "Ski skating technique and physiological responses across slopes and speeds," European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 95, no. 2, pp. 205-212, 2005.

9. R. W. Gregory, S. E. Humphreys, and G. M. Street, "Kinematic analysis of skating technique of Olympic skiers in the women's 30-km race," Journal of Applied Biomechanics, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 382-392, 1994.

10. Z. Wu, F. Cardoso, D. B. Pyne, M. F. Goethel, and R. J. Fernandes, "Physiological and biomechanical characteristics of inline speed skating: A systematic scoping review," Applied Sciences, vol. 15, no. 14, p. 7994, 2025.

11. G. Bongiorno, H. Biancuzzi, F. Dal Mas, G. Fasano, and L. Miceli, "Roller speed skating kinematics and electromyographic analysis: A methodological approach," Sports, vol. 10, no. 12, p. 209, 2022.

12. G. Bongiorno, G. Sisti, F. Dal Mas, H. Biancuzzi, T. Varrecchia, G. Chini, and L. Miceli, "The kinematic and electromyographic analysis of roller skating at different speeds on a treadmill: a case study," Sensors, vol. 24, no. 17, p. 5738, 2024.

13. A. Rebelo, J. R. Pereira, D. V. Martinho, and J. Valente-dos-Santos, "Effects of a velocity-based complex training program in young female artistic roller skating athletes," Journal of Human Kinetics, vol. 86, p. 217, 2023.

14. Ø. Sandbakk, G. Ettema, and H. C. Holmberg, "The physiological and biomechanical contributions of poling to roller ski skating," European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 113, no. 8, pp. 1979-1987, 2013.