A Simple Method for Measuring Force, Velocity and Power Capabilities and Mechanical Effectiveness During Sprint Running

Abstract

A macroscopic view of sprint mechanics during an acceleration phase, and notably athlete’s propulsion capacities, can be given by Force-velocity (F-v) and Power-velocity (P-v) relationships. They characterize the change in athlete’s maximal horizontal force and power production capabilities when running speed increases and directly determine sprint acceleration performance. This chapter presents an accurate and reliable simple method to determine these mechanical capabilities during sprinting. This method, based on a macroscopic biomechanical model and validated in laboratory conditions in comparison to force plate measurements, is very convenient for field use since it only requires anthropometric (body mass and stature) and spatio-temporal (split times or instantaneous velocity) input variables. It provides different information on athlete’s horizontal force production capabilities: maximal power output, maximal horizontal force, maximal velocity until which horizontal force can be produced and mechanical effectiveness of force application onto the ground. This information presents interesting practical applications for sport practitioners to individualize training focusing on sprint acceleration performance, but also perspectives in injury management. This chapter presents different examples of such applications. Moreover, this simple method can also help to bring new insight into the limits of human locomotion since it makes possible to estimate sprinting mechanical properties of the fastest men and women without testing them in a laboratory.