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Changes in spring-mass model characteristics during repeated running sprints

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Abstract

This study investigated fatigue-induced changes in spring-mass model characteristics during repeated running sprints. Sixteen active subjects performed 12 × 40 m sprints interspersed with 30 s of passive recovery. Vertical and anterior–posterior ground reaction forces were measured at 5–10 m and 30–35 m and used to determine spring-mass model characteristics. Contact (P < 0.001), flight (P < 0.05) and swing times (P < 0.001) together with braking, push-off and total stride durations (P < 0.001) lengthened across repetitions. Stride frequency (P < 0.001) and push-off forces (P < 0.05) decreased with fatigue, whereas stride length (P = 0.06), braking (P = 0.08) and peak vertical forces (P = 0.17) changes approached significance. Center of mass vertical displacement (P < 0.001) but not leg compression (P > 0.05) increased with time. As a result, vertical stiffness decreased (P < 0.001) from the first to the last repetition, whereas leg stiffness changes across sprint trials were not significant (P > 0.05). Changes in vertical stiffness were correlated (r > 0.7; P < 0.001) with changes in stride frequency. When compared to 5–10 m, most of ground reaction force-related parameters were higher (P < 0.05) at 30–35 m, whereas contact time, stride frequency, vertical and leg stiffness were lower (P < 0.05). Vertical stiffness deteriorates when 40 m run-based sprints are repeated, which alters impact parameters. Maintaining faster stride frequencies through retaining higher vertical stiffness is a prerequisite to improve performance during repeated sprinting.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Aziz Mohammed Farooq, Statistician Epidemiologist, Research and Education Center (ASPETAR) for assistance with statistical analyses.

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Correspondence to Olivier Girard.

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Communicated by Jean-René Lacour.

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Girard, O., Micallef, JP. & Millet, G.P. Changes in spring-mass model characteristics during repeated running sprints. Eur J Appl Physiol 111, 125–134 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1638-9

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