The association between flexibility and running economy in sub-elite male distance runners

Craib, M.; Mitchell, Vicki A.; Fields, Karl B.; Cooper, Theresa R.; Hopewell, R.; Morgan, Don W.

doi:10.1097/00005768-199606000-00012

Cited by 112 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…In the same way, Kerdok et al [26] have suggested that a reduction in metabolic cost occurs as the elastic rebound provided by a compliant surface replaces that otherwise provided by a runner's leg. The results of one study have suggested that inflexibility in certain areas of the musculoskeletal system may enhance running economy by increasing storage and return of elastic energy and minimizing the need for muscle-stabilizing activity [11].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In locomotion the energy cost is thought to be determined by two factor together: the energy required for performing mechanical work and the energy required for generating muscular force [10,11]. By increasing leg stiffness on a compliant elastic surface, the human reduces the mechanical work done by the leg and increases the mechanical work done by the surface, and lowers the energy cost of generating muscular force.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of different sport surfaces on muscle performance

Katkat¹,

Bulut²,

Demır³

et al. 2009

Biol Sport

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Abstract. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of different sport surfaces on athletic performance by means of muscle performance. Twenty two elite male basketball players, aged between 17 and 28, participated in this study. This study was executed on 7 different sport surfaces: asphalt, synthetic grass, natural grass, tile powder, soil, wooden parquet and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). Leg strength (LS) and vertical jumping height (VJH) were measured at rest and after a given training protocol on each surface. Surface compliance was evaluated with a drop test using a medicine ball. Asphalt and synthetic grass were the most fatiguing, natural grass, soil and tile powder were moderately fatiguing, parquet and EPDM were the least fatiguing surfaces. The results of surface compliance were inconsistent with those obtained in LS and VJH tests. As the compliance of the surface increased LS and VJH increased, i.e. performance was decreased. The results of the present study suggest that it is better to use parquet and EPDM in construction of indoor sport surfaces. On the other hand, it may be appropriate to build outdoor surfaces with natural grass because of its aesthetic and visual impacts and its contribution to the amount of urban green area.(Biol.Sport 26:285-296, 2009)

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of different sport surfaces on muscle performance

Katkat¹,

Bulut²,

Demır³

et al. 2009

Biol Sport

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show abstract

“…In human sprinters, performance was decreased after bouts of stretching immediately prior to a timed run trial (Nelson et al, 2005). Other studies have found a correlation between inflexibility and running economy, with runners with greater muscle stiffness using less energy to move (Gleim et al, 1990;Craib et al, 1996).…”

Section: Evidence For Energy Storage and Recovery In Muscle Springsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contribution of elastic tissues to the mechanics and energetics of muscle function during movement

Roberts

2016

Journal of Experimental Biology

157

115

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Muscle force production occurs within an environment of tissues that exhibit spring-like behavior, and this elasticity is a critical determinant of muscle performance during locomotion. Muscle force and power output both depend on the speed of contraction, as described by the isotonic force-velocity curve. By influencing the speed of contractile elements, elastic structures can have a profound effect on muscle force, power and work. In very rapid movements, elastic mechanisms can amplify muscle power by storing the work of muscle contraction slowly and releasing it rapidly. When energy must be dissipated rapidly, such as in landing from a jump, energy stored rapidly in elastic elements can be released more slowly to stretch muscle contractile elements, reducing the power input to muscle and possibly protecting it from damage. Elastic mechanisms identified so far rely primarily on in-series tendons, but many structures within muscles exhibit springlike properties. Actomyosin cross-bridges, actin and myosin filaments, titin, and the connective tissue scaffolding of the extracellular matrix all have the potential to store and recover elastic energy during muscle contraction. The potential contribution of these elements can be assessed from their stiffness and estimates of the strain they undergo during muscle function. Such calculations provide boundaries for the possible roles these springs might play in locomotion, and may help to direct future studies of the uses of elastic elements in muscle.

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“…In the same way, Kerdok et al 20) have suggested that a reduction in metabolic cost occurs as the elastic rebound provided by a compliant surface replaces that otherwise provided by a runner's leg. The results of one study have suggested that inflexibility in certain areas of the musculoskeletal system may enhance running economy by increasing storage and return of elastic energy and minimizing the need for muscle-stabilizing activity 10) . On the other hand, Hardin et al 19) have found a decrease in oxygen uptake as the leg stiffness increased, but with increasing surface hardness.…”

Section: At Rest After Trainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measurement Methods: Determination of Ergonomic Sport Surfaces in Terms of Sportive Performance

Katkat

2012

Tairyoku Kagaku

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The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of different sport surfaces on sportive performance by means of muscle performance. 112 elite athletes, aged between 17 and 26, participated in this study. This study was executed on 8 different sport surfaces: asphalt, synthetic grass, natural grass, tile powder, soil, wooden parquet, full polyurethane and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). Leg strength (LS), back strength (BS) and vertical jumping height (VJH) were measured at rest and after a given training protocol on each surface. Asphalt and synthetic grass were the most fatiguing, natural grass, soil and tile powder were moderately fatiguing, parquet and polyurethane were the least fatiguing surfaces. Then the surface compliance was evaluated with a drop test using a medicine ball and it was observed that achived results were consistent with those obtained in LS, BS and VJH tests. According to the test results as the hardness of the surface increased the performance of the athletes was decreased. The results of the present study suggest that it is better to use parquet and polyurethane in construction of indoor sport surfaces.Jpn J Phys Fitness Sports Med, 61(2): 237-241 (2012)

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The association between flexibility and running economy in sub-elite male distance runners

Cited by 112 publications

References 21 publications

Effects of different sport surfaces on muscle performance

Effects of different sport surfaces on muscle performance

Contribution of elastic tissues to the mechanics and energetics of muscle function during movement

Measurement Methods: Determination of Ergonomic Sport Surfaces in Terms of Sportive Performance

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