The Science of Figure Skating

The Science of Figure Skating is the first book to provide an evidence-based and comprehensive reference for the scientific underpinnings of this complex Olympic sport, where early specialization presents unique challenges for coaches and athletes alike.

Drawing on cutting-edge research and featuring contributions from leading academics and practitioners, the book covers key topics of health, training and high performance in figure skating, including:

• Physiological demands
• Nutrition and hydration
• Training methods
• Psychology and mental performance
• Novel issues relating to performance such as travel and jet lag
• Technological innovation

Effectively and succinctly applying theory to practice, The Science of Figure Skating is a valuable resource on integrating sport science concepts into training and performance. It is essential reading for any applied sport science student or researcher with an interest in winter sports, and coaches, sport science officers, nutritionists or clinicians involved in figure skating.

Jason D. Vescovi is an applied sport scientist and has an appointment in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, Canada. He was the Head, Sport Science and Performance Research for Skate Canada for 5 years leading into the Sochi Winter Olympics and regularly consults for other Canadian National Sport Organizations including Field Hockey Canada, Tennis Canada, and Archery Canada. Jason’s expertise and research interests include areas that impact health, training and performance in sport.

Jaci L. VanHeest is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut, USA. She has over 25 years of experience working with world-class athletes and has consulted for U.S. Figure Skating for over a decade. In 2015, Jaci was appointed a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sport and Nutrition Science Board. Her research has focused on exercise-induced adaptations of bioenergetic, metabolic, and endocrine factors in groups ranging from children to elite performers.