The influence of flexibility on the economy of walking and jogging

Gleim, Gilbert W.; Stachenfeld, Nina S.; Nicholas, James A.

doi:10.1002/jor.1100080606

Cited by 113 publications

(82 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…McMahon et al [30] have reported that running with increased knee flexion (Groucho running) requires an increase of as much as 50% in the rate of oxygen consumption compared to normal running with greater leg stiffness. In another study, it has been concluded that non-pathological musculoskeletal tightness was associated with a decreased steady-state VO2 for treadmill walking and jogging [23]. Similarly, in a recent study the greater energy cost during running compared to the energy cost during walking was explained by the use of more flexed knee joint during running versus walking [5].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

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: 90%

Effects of different sport surfaces on muscle performance

Katkat¹,

Bulut²,

Demır³

et al. 2009

Biol Sport

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“…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

150

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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“…Prilutsky and Gregor 3 evaluated several leg muscles during walking and running at speeds between 55 and 145% of the WRTS by EMG, noting that the action of the flexor muscles was greater during walking than during running above the WRTS. The lower VO 2 during running at higher speeds may be a consequence of the elastic energy stored during the running support stage 22,23 , as occurs in walking 24 .…”

Section: Brisswalter and Mottetmentioning

confidence: 99%