title: Age, training, and previous experience predict race performance in long-distance inline skaters, not anthropometry.
abstract: The association of characteristics of anthropometry, training, and previous experience with race time in 84 recreational, long-distance, inline skaters at the longest inline marathon in Europe (111 km), the Inline One-eleven in Switzerland, was investigated to identify predictor variables for performance. Age, duration per training unit, and personal best time were the only three variables related to race time in a multiple regression, while none of the 16 anthropometric variables were related. Anthropometric characteristics seem to be of no importance for a fast race time in a long-distance inline skating race in contrast to training volume and previous experience, when controlled with covariates. Improving performance in a long-distance inline skating race might be related to a high training volume and previous race experience. Also, doing such a race requires a parallel psychological effort, mental stamina, focus, and persistence. This may be reflected in the preparation and training for the event. Future studies should investigate what motivates these athletes to train and compete.
authors.affiliation: Facharzt FMH für Allgemeinmedizin, Gesundheitszentrum St. Gallen, Vadianstrasse 26, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland. beat.knechtle@hispeed.ch
authors.forename: Beat
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Knechtle
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knechtle
authors.forename: Christoph Alexander
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Rüst
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rosemann
authors.forename: Romuald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lepers
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D054874:Athletic Performance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D012861:Skating / Q000523:psychology*; D012885:Skinfold Thickness