Characterization of Strength and Flexibility in Speed Skaters in the 1000-Meter Test of the Norte de Santander League

Abstract

Strength is a very important condition in competition, as it helps improve performance. Flexibility, in turn, prevents injuries and provides greater range of motion. Therefore, it is essential to train with different loads and intensities, which led to the objective: “Characterize strength and flexibility in the skaters of the Norte de Santander League.” The research was descriptive, since the data were recorded only once, allowing the characterization of the athletes. Anthropometric variables of the athletes were collected, followed by flexibility tests (Sit and Reach), strength tests (1RM), lower limb power tests (Bosco test), and finally a 1000-meter track test. Some relevant results found in the sample of 33 skaters — 9 men and 24 women aged 15 ± 1.69 years — include a body fat percentage of 9.14 ± 1.10% in men and 17.35 ± 2.43% in women. In the Bosco test, men showed a lower limb power of 79.76 ± 16.64 kgm/sec, while women achieved 65.61 ± 10.70 kgm/sec. The 1RM strength test showed values of 84.29 ± 27.70 kg for men and 70 ± 16.14 kg for women. In the flexibility test, men scored 4.92 ± 0.86 cm, and women 11.31 ± 0.10 cm. These results indicate that men have greater lower-limb strength compared to women, but women present greater flexibility. When comparing the 1000-meter test times, men achieved 1'38'' ± 5.91 min/sec, while women averaged 1'41'' ± 8.36 min/sec. In conclusion, strength is a good predictor of physical condition and is associated with better competition performance than flexibility. However, flexibility is a fundamental factor for minimizing injury risk and optimizing performance.