Physiologic Responses and Energy System Contributions in Competitive Short Track Speed Skating Across Race Distances

ABSTRACT: Kıyıcı, F, Ulupınar, S, Gençoğlu, C, Atasever, G, Seren, K, Çiydem, Ç, and Özbay, S. Physiologic responses and energy system contributions in competitive short track speed skating across race distances. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study aimed to quantify and compare the physiologic responses and energy system contributions across 3 standard race distances in elite short track speed skaters. Nine national-level elite male short track speed skaters performed maximal-effort time trials for 500, 1000, and 1,500 m, in randomized order and with full recovery between sessions. Oxygen uptake (V̇o2) was continuously measured using a portable gas analyzer, while blood lactate concentration ([BLa]) was sampled at rest and at multiple time points postexercise. Energy contributions from phosphagen, glycolytic, and aerobic pathways were calculated using validated equations based on V̇o2, EPOC kinetics, and [BLa]. Total energy expenditure increased with distance (500 m: 123.8 ± 16.5 kJ; 1,000 m: 163.1 ± 19.2 kJ; 1,500 m: 201.9 ± 19.6 kJ). Aerobic energy rose significantly from 27.2 ± 2.4 kJ at 500 m to 57.3 ± 4.9 kJ at 1,000 m and 89.1 ± 7.9 kJ at 1,500 m. Glycolytic energy was 50.6 ± 11.5 kJ at 500 m and 55.4 ± 10.6 kJ at 1,000 m, and increased to 60.3 ± 11.5 kJ at 1,500 m. Phosphagen energy also increased with distance (45.7 ± 9.4 kJ; 50.3 ± 10.3 kJ; 52.8 ± 11.2 kJ). In relative terms, aerobic contribution rose from 22.2% at 500 m to 35.3% at 1,000 m and 44.3% at 1,500 m, whereas glycolytic contribution declined from 40.9 to 33.9% and 29.8%, and phosphagen contribution from 36.9 to 30.8% and 26% (all p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate a clear shift from anaerobic to aerobic dominance as race distance increases in short track speed skating. The PCr-La-O2 approach offers detailed insights into metabolic demands across competition distances, supporting tailored training and recovery strategies. The observed nonlinear patterns in glycolytic and phosphagen contributions highlight the importance of distance-specific conditioning in elite speed skating performance.