S1 Athletics Running and Sprint

Title

Long-distance and sprint athletics integrate modes M2 (running) and M3 (sprint vs. endurance) on the elements E1 (muscle), E2 (tendons), E6 (CM) and E7 (GRF). The Spring-Mass Model describes the mechanics of the stride: the leg acts as a linear spring that accumulates and releases elastic energy at each contact. In sprinting, horizontal power applied to the ground and contact time (very short, ~80100 ms at maximum speed) are the primary determinants of performance. Maximum running speed (~10.412.4 m/s in elite) is limited by the horizontal force available at contact time, not by stride cadence. Over long distances, lactate threshold, running economy and VOmax determine the sustainable average speed. The aerodynamic power increases with v³, being relevant at speeds > 6 m/s. The individual strength-velocity profile (LV profiling) allows us to identify whether the athlete is limited by strength (Force-Deficient) or by speed (Velocity-Deficient), guiding specific training.

ID:2359