Lower-limb coordination changes following a 6-week training intervention that elicited enhancements to maximum velocity sprint performance.

Abstract

Alterations to intra- and inter-limb coordination with improved maximal velocity performance remain largely unexplored. This study quantified within-day variability in lower-limb segmental coordination profiles during maximal velocity sprinting and investigated the modifications to coordination strategies in 15 recreationally active males following a 6-week period comprised of a multimodal training programme [intervention group (INT); n=7] or continued participation in sports (control group; n=8). The INT demonstrated a large decrease (effect size=-1.54) in within-day coordination profile variability, suggesting potential skill development. Thigh-thigh coordination modifications for the INT were characterised by an earlier onset of trail thigh reversal in early swing (26 versus 28% stride) and lead thigh reversal in late swing (76 versus 79% stride), rather than increases in overall time spent in anti-phase. Moreover, an increase in backward rotation of thigh relative to shank (effect size, 95% CIs: 0.75, 0.17 to 1.33) and shank relative to foot (0.76, -0.17 to 1.68) during late swing likely facilitated more aggressive acceleration of the limb, contributing to reduced touchdown distance and more favourable lower-limb configuration at initial ground contact. These novel findings provide empirical support for the role of longitudinal coordination modifications in improving maximal velocity performance.