The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between isokinetic strength and performance in speed skating. Subjects in this study were 85 male and 36 female junior speed skaters (10-18 years of age), and 16 male and 10 females speed skating candidates who were training for the 1984 Japanese Olympic speed skating team. Just after the skating season, all subjects were tested for maximal knee extension power at four different speeds (0, 60, 180 and 300°/sec) with an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II, Lumex Inc.). And the mean value of peak torque (MVPT) was determined by averaging peak torques for maximal knee extensions at angular velocity 180°/sec in endurance test.
　The relationship between peak torque of knee extensors and 500 meters skating time in seconds was significant at all test speeds (male r= -0.775 to -0.810, p<0.001; female r= -0.825 to -0.861, p<0.001). The highest correlation coefficients were found with peak torque at 60°/sec both male (r= -0.810, p<0.001). and female (r= -0.861, p<0.001). Significant correlations (male r= -0.814, p<0.001; female r= -0.874, p<0.001) were also obtained between power endurance capacity (MVPT) and the best record in time of 500 meters skating.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.5/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE