Effect of race distance on muscle oxygenation in short-track speed skating.
OBJECTIVE
Previous work identified an asymmetry in tissue desaturation changes in the left and right quadriceps muscles during on-ice skating at maximal speed in males. The effect of changing race distance on the magnitude of desaturation or leg asymmetry is unknown.


METHODS
Six elite male skaters (age = 23 ± 1.8 yr, height = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, mass = 80.1 ± 5.7 kg, midthigh skinfold thickness = 7 ± 2 mm) and four elite female skaters (age = 21 ± 4 yr, height = 1.6 ± 0.1 m, mass = 65.2 ± 4.3 kg, midthigh skinfold thickness = 10 ± 1 mm) were studied. Subjects completed time trials over three race distances. Blood lactate concentration and O2 uptake measurements were combined with near-infrared spectroscopy measures of muscle oxygenation (TSI) and blood volume (tHb) in the right and left vastus lateralis.


RESULTS
Neither race distance nor gender had a significant effect on the magnitude of maximal muscle desaturation (ΔTSI(max)). Pattern of local changes in tHb during individual laps was dependent upon subtle differences in skating technique used for the different race distances. Linear regression analysis revealed asymmetry between the right and left leg desaturation in males during the final stages of each race distance, but not in females. At all race distances, local muscle desaturation reached maximal values much more quickly than global VO(2peak).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of wearable near-infrared spectroscopy devices enabled measurement of muscle oxygenation during competitive race simulation, thus providing unique insight into the effects of velocity and technique changes on local muscle oxygenation. This may have implications for training and race pacing in speed skating.
Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom. chesfo@essex.ac.uk
Catherine M
CM
Hesford
Stewart
S
Laing
Marco
M
Cardinale
Chris E
CE
Cooper
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012861:Skating / Q000502:physiology*; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D019344:Lactic Acid