title: Characteristics of triple and quadruple toe-loops performed during the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare triple (T) and quadruple (Q) toe-loop figure skating jumps and quantify basic characteristics of these jumps to provide information to coaches that will assist them in teaching quadruple toe-loops to elite figure skaters. High-speed video was taken during men's practice and competition sessions at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics; three-dimensional analyses of selected triple and quadruple jumps were completed. The most significant difference between triple and quadruple toe-loops was an increase in rotational velocity in the air. Additionally, increased vertical velocity at take-off and subsequent time in the air were also observed. Three main conclusions were developed: 1) The timing of rotation of the hips and shoulders was different for quadruple toe-loops compared to triples with the differences being observed before toe-pick; 2) Increases in rotational velocity occurred primarily as a result of the skaters assuming different body positions from take-off through landing which resulted in tighter rotating positions for longer durations of the jump; 3) Greater vertical velocity was gained during the propulsive phase due to the extension of the legs during the press off the ice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise & Sport Sciences, Ithaca College, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Higginson
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Muncasy
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scheirman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006615:Hip / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology; D012861:Skating / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis