Sprint Acceleration Performance Research Articles

The Relationship Between the Isometric Squat and Stretch Shortening Cycle Function and Sprint Acceleration Performance in Hurling Players.

Brady, CJ, Harrison, AJ, Flanagan, EP, Haff, GG, and Comyns, TM. The relationship between the isometric squat and stretch shortening cycle function and sprint acceleration performance in hurling players. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): e288-e298, 2024-The primary aim was to examine the relationship between sprint acceleration performance and the performance tests: isometric squat (ISqT), countermovement jump (CMJ), and reactive strength index (RSI). The secondary aim determined whether these tests could distinguish between sprint performance levels. Twenty-six male under-21 subjects completed the ISqT, with peak force (PF), relative PF, force at 100, 150, and 200 milliseconds (ms), and impulse (0-200 ms) measured. Jump height (JH) was calculated from the CMJ and RSI during the 10-5 repeated jump test. Subjects completed 3 × 30-m sprints with splits taken at 5, 10, 20, and 30 m. Pearson's product moment correlations were used to assess the relationships between measures, and independent samples t tests were used to determine whether differences existed in sprint ability of those in the top and bottom quartiles for force at 100 ms, CMJ, and RSI. Significant negative moderate correlations were reported between force at 100 ms and 0-5 m and 5-10 m, significant moderate and large negative correlations between CMJ and all splits and significant large correlations between RSI and splits over 5 m. Force at 100 ms distinguished between performance levels from 0 to 5 m, CMJ from 10 to 20 m, and RSI from 20 to 30 m; faster subjects produced significantly higher force, JHs, and RSI scores. Three principal components explaining 86.1% of the variation in the data set were identified: sprint times and stretch shortening cycle capabilities (33.3%), time-specific force (29.9%), and absolute and relative strength (22.8%).

The influence on a non-linear bending stiffness profile on sprint acceleration performance and MTP biomechanics

The influence on a non-linear bending stiffness profile on sprint acceleration performance and MTP biomechanics

Correlations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration and maximal speed performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study is to determine the associations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration, as well as maximal speed performance. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), and Web of Science. The studies that were included in this review must meet the following criteria: (1) well-trained individuals over the age of 18 years old; (2) Pearson's correlation coefficients between sprint time and horizontal jump distance were provided; (3) the sprint distance was limited to 0-100 m. The quality of the studies was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index test. A random-effects model was used to determine the effect sizes, and heterogeneity between studies was examined using the Q statistic and I2. From the identified 2,815 studies, 27 studies were included in this study (two from reference lists). The sprint time of the sprint acceleration phase was moderately and negatively correlated with the standing long jump (r=-0.45, z=7.48, p<0.001), single leg standing long jump (r=-0.48, z=3.49, p<0.001) and horizontal drop jump distance (r=-0.48, z=3.49, p<0.001), and was largely and negatively correlated with multiple jump distance (r=-0.69, z=6.02, p<0.001). Out of five studies assessed the standing triple jump, three studies reported significant positive association with the sprint acceleration performance. The sprint time of maximal speed phase was very largely and negatively associated with standing long jump distance (r=-0.73, z=4.44, p<0.001) and multiple jump distance (r=-0.76, z=6.86, p<0.001). This review indicates the moderate to very large associations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration and maximal speed performance, and the highest magnitude of associations between them is found in the multiple jump. Moreover, compared to the sprint acceleration performance, there are greater associations between maximal speed performance and standing long jump and multiple jump distance.

Hip Torque Is a Mechanistic Link Between Sprint Acceleration and Maximum Velocity Performance: A Theoretical Perspective.

Sprinting performance is critical for a variety of sports and competitive activities. Prior research has demonstrated correlations between the limits of initial acceleration and maximum velocity for athletes of different sprinting abilities. Our perspective is that hip torque is a mechanistic link between these performance limits. A theoretical framework is presented here that provides estimates of sprint acceleration capability based on thigh angular acceleration and hip torque during the swing phase while running at maximum velocity. Performance limits were calculated using basic anthropometric values (body mass and leg length) and maximum velocity kinematic values (contact time, thigh range of motion, and stride frequency) from previously published sprint data. The proposed framework provides a mechanistic link between maximum acceleration and maximum velocity, and also explains why time constant values (τ, ratio of the velocity limit to acceleration limit) for sprint performance curves are generally close to one-second even for athletes with vastly different sprinting abilities. This perspective suggests that specific training protocols targeted to improve thigh angular acceleration and hip torque capability will benefit both acceleration and maximum velocity phases of a sprint.

The Acute Effects of Heavy Sled Towing on Acceleration Performance and Sprint Mechanical and Kinematic Characteristics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heavy sled towing using a load corresponding to a 50% reduction of the individual theoretical maximal velocity (ranged 57–73% body mass) on subsequent 30 m sprint performance, velocity, mechanical variables (theoretical maximal horizontal force, theoretical maximal horizontal velocity, maximal mechanical power output, slope of the linear force–velocity relationship, maximal ratio of horizontal to total force and decrease in the ratio of horizontal to total force) and kinematics (step length and rate, contact and flight time). Twelve (n = 5 males and n = 7 females) junior running sprinters performed an exercise under two intervention conditions in random order. The experimental condition (EXP) consisted of two repetitions of 20 m resisted sprints, while in the control condition (CON), an active recovery was performed. Before (baseline) and after (post) the interventions, the 30 m sprint tests were analyzed. Participants showed faster 30 m sprint times following sled towing (p = 0.005). Running velocity was significantly higher in EXP at 5–10 m (p = 0.032), 10–15 m (p = 0.006), 15–20 m (p = 0.004), 20–25 m (p = 0.015) and 25–30 m (p = 0.014). No significant changes in sprint mechanical variables and kinematics were observed. Heavy sled towing appeared to be an effective post-activation potentiation stimulus to acutely enhance sprint acceleration performance with no effect on the athlete’s running technique.

Optimal mechanical force-velocity profile for sprint acceleration performance.

The aim was to determine the respective influences of sprinting maximal power output ( ) and mechanical Force-velocity (F-v) profile (ie, ratio between horizontal force production capacities at low and high velocities) on sprint acceleration performance. A macroscopic biomechanical model using an inverse dynamics approach applied to the athlete's center of mass during running acceleration was developed to express the time to cover a given distance as a mathematical function of and F-v profile. Simulations showed that sprint acceleration performance depends mainly on , but also on the F-v profile, with the existence of an individual optimal F-v profile corresponding, for a given , to the best balance between force production capacities at low and high velocities. This individual optimal profile depends on and sprint distance: the lower the sprint distance, the more the optimal F-v profile is oriented to force capabilities and vice versa. When applying this model to the data of 231 athletes from very different sports, differences between optimal and actual F-v profile were observed and depend more on the variability in the optimal F-v profile between sprint distances than on the interindividual variability in F-v profiles. For a given sprint distance, acceleration performance (<30m) mainly depends on and slightly on the difference between optimal and actual F-v profile, the weight of each variable changing with sprint distance. Sprint acceleration performance is determined by both maximization of the horizontal power output capabilities and the optimization of the mechanical F-v profile of sprint propulsion.

Ratio of forces during sprint acceleration: A comparison of different calculation methods

The orientation of the ground reaction force (GRF) vector is a key determinant of human sprint acceleration performance and has been described using ratio of forces (RF) which quantifies the ratio of the antero-posterior component to the resultant GRF. Different methods have previously been used to calculate step-averaged RF, and this study therefore aimed to compare the effects of three calculation methods on two key “technical” ability measures: decline in ratio of forces (DRF) and theoretical maximal RF at null velocity (RF0). Twenty-four male sprinters completed maximal effort 60 m sprints from block and standing starts on a fully instrumented track (force platforms in series). RF-horizontal velocity profiles were determined from the measured GRFs over the entire acceleration phase using three different calculation methods for obtaining an RF value for each step: A) the mean of instantaneous RF during stance, B) the step-averaged antero-posterior component divided by the step-averaged resultant GRF, C) the step-averaged antero-posterior component divided by the resultant of the step-averaged antero-posterior and vertical components. Method A led to significantly greater RF0 and shallower DRF slopes than Methods B and C. These differences were very large (Effect size Cohen’s d = 2.06 – 4.04) and varied between individuals due to differences in the GRF profiles, particularly during late stance as the acceleration phase progressed. Method B provides RF values which most closely approximate the mechanical reality of step averaged accelerations progressively approaching zero and it is recommended for future analyses although it should be considered a ratio of impulses.

Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) of sprint acceleration performance

ABSTRACT Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a principle that an acute bout of high-intensity voluntary exercise is followed by an enhancement in strength, speed or power production. This study intended to show a direct correlation between intensity, specificity and the outcome of a maximal task of sprint accelerations compared to a previously defined weighted plyometric intervention. In a randomised controlled, double-blind trial, professional footballers undertook 20 m maximal sprint accelerations at a baseline and at 2 and 6 min post-intervention after 1 of 3 interventions; 2 repetitions of 20 m sprint accelerations (S), 3 × 10 alternative leg weighted bounding (P) and control (C). Relative to the baseline there was a significant improvement for S over 10 and 20 m at 2 min of 0.12m.s−1 and 0.11m.s−1 and 6 min of 0.11m.s−1 and 0.12m.s−1. Relative to the baseline P also had a significant improvement over 10 and 20 m at 2 min 0.09m.s−1 and 0.09m.s−1 and 6 min of 0.11m.s−1 and 0.09m.s−1. There was a significant improvement in C between 2 and 6 min post-intervention at 10 and 20 m of 0.06m.s−1 and 0.08m.s−1. This finding suggests a maximal sprint acceleration may enhance the outcome of a subsequent maximal sprint acceleration at 2 min, but the latter results could not be directly attributed to the interventions as previous testing is likely to have influenced these outcomes.

Importance of Joint Angle-Specific Hip Strength for Skating Performance in Semiprofessional Ice Hockey Athletes.

Secomb, JL, Dascombe, BJ, and Nimphius, S. Importance of joint angle-specific hip strength for skating performance in semiprofessional ice hockey athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2599-2603, 2021-Ice hockey athletes with faster sprint acceleration and change-of-direction (COD) skating performance possess a competitive advantage. However, it is unknown whether joint angle-specific hip strength, in combination with measures known to relate to skating performance (e.g., countermovement jump [CMJ]), better explains skating performance. The purpose of this research was to determine whether hip strength in joint angles specific to skating positions and CMJ performance explains sprint skating acceleration and COD performance. Thirteen semiprofessional male hockey (26.7 ± 6.7 years; 88.4 ± 18.1 kg; 181.9 ± 5.4 cm) athletes were assessed for CMJ performance, hip abduction and adduction strength, 10-m sprint skating acceleration, and COD (505) performance. Linear multiple regressions to predict skating acceleration and COD performance were calculated with variables chosen based on functional justification and magnitude of correlation. Hip abductor relative peak force (rPF) at 25° of hip abduction and CMJ rPF explained 46.0% (adjusted) of variance in sprint acceleration performance (F[2,12] = 6.18, p = 0.02). Countermovement jump peak eccentric velocity, adductor rPF at 50° of hip abduction, and difference in abductor rPF between 50° and 25° of hip abduction explained 85.0% (adjusted) of the variance in 505 time (F[3,12] = 22.8, p < 0.001). Hip strength at joint angles functionally relevant to skating (e.g., at 25° and 50°), in combination with relevant CMJ variables, explained large and very large amounts of variance in sprint skating acceleration and COD performance in this cohort. The inclusion of joint angle-specific hip strength profiling to a physical performance testing battery may provide practitioners with more specific knowledge on the strength of the hip through abduction range of motion, which may affect skating performance.

Maximizing Acceleration and Change of Direction in Sport: A Case Series to Illustrate How the Force-Velocity Profile Provides Additional Information to That Derived from Linear Sprint Time.

Sprint running and change of direction (COD) present similar mechanical demands, involving an acceleration phase in which athletes need to produce and apply substantial horizontal external force. Assessing the mechanical properties underpinning individual sprint acceleration might add relevant information about COD performance in addition to that obtained through sprint time alone. The present technical report uses a case series of three athletes with nearly identical 20 m sprint times but with different mechanical properties and COD performances. This makes it possible to illustrate, for the first time, a potential rationale for why the sprint force-velocity (FV) profile (i.e., theoretical maximal force (F0), velocity (V0), maximal power output (Pmax), ratio of effective horizontal component (RFpeak) and index of force application technique (DRF)) provides key information about COD performance (i.e., further to that derived from simple sprint time), which can be used to individualize training. This technical report provides practitioners with a justification to assess the FV profile in addition to sprint time when the aim is to enhance sprint acceleration and COD performance; practical interpretations and advice on how training interventions could be individualized based on the athletes’ differential sprint mechanical properties are also specified.

The Relationship between Core Strength Performance with Sprint Acceleration

The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between average core strength and sprint acceleration performance. Besides that, this study also intended to determine the relationship between body height and body weight with average core strength and sprint acceleration performance. Sixty-three male sport science students (height 1.67 ± 0.07 m; body mass 63.25 ± 13.90 kg) from variety of sport background participated in this study. To test the relationship, core strength (7-stage abdominal strength test and prone-bridge test) and sprint acceleration (35-m sprint test) performance was measured and a Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the results. Sprint was found to be significantly correlated with prone bridge performance, r (63) = -0.43, p = 0.00). The relationship between body height with sprint performance stated significant relationship (r (63) = -0.48, p = 0.00) and body weight with 7-stage abdominal strength values reveal a significant relationship (r (63) = - 0.28, p = 0.03). In conclusion, this finding has suggested an optimum core strength may influences sprint acceleration performance which would give greater advantages in order to improve physical performance or optimize sport performance.

Short-Term Effects of “Composite” Training on Strength, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Hurling Players

Byrne, PJ, Moody, JA, Cooper, S-M, Farrell, E, and Kinsella, S. Short-term effects of "composite training" on strength, jump, and sprint performance in hurling players. J Strength Cond Res 36(8): 2253-2261, 2022-The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term effects of "composite" training to sprint training on strength, jump, and sprint acceleration performance in hurling players. A randomized counterbalanced group design with baseline test, pretest and post-test measures was used. Twenty-five hurling players volunteered to participate and 21 completed the study. Subjects were divided into a "composite" (COMP group, n = 10) or a sprint training (SPRINT group, n = 11) group. Both groups trained twice per week for 7 weeks with the SPRINT group performing 6 repetitions of 20 m sprints and the COMP group completing 6 repetitions (1 repetition = 3 bounce drop jumps [BDJs] with a 20 m sprint after 15 seconds recovery). Significant differences existed pretraining to post-training for the COMP group for BDJ contact time (-7.25%; p = 0.05) and countermovement jump (CMJ) variables (height: 7.43%, p = 0.006; force: 5.24%, p = 0.05; power: 15.11%, p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between groups at baseline and for group by time interactions. Significant improvements were observed pretraining to post-training in both groups for the following: absolute 3 repetition maximum (3RM) back squat strength (12.73-17.62%, p = 0.01), 5 m (5.74-9.49%, p = 0.006-0.04), 10 m (4.27-5.59%, p = 0.007-0.02), and 20 m (3.35-3.98%, p = 0.003-0.01). In conclusion, "composite" training is effective in enhancing fast stretch-shortening cycle efficiency inducing CMJ force and power augmentation. However, "composite" and sprint training are effective training approaches for enhancing maximal strength and sprint performance in a time efficient manner in hurling players.

The Relationship Between Isometric Strength and Sprint Acceleration in Sprinters.

To examine the relationships between the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), isometric squat (ISqT), and sprint acceleration performance in track-and-field sprinters and to determine whether there are differences between men and women. Fifteen male and 10 female sprinters performed 3 maximal-effort IMTPs, ISqTs, and 3 × 30-m sprints from blocks. Among the men, the results showed significant negative correlations between IMTP and ISqT peak force; relative peak force; force at 100, 150, and 200ms; rate of force development (0-150 and 0-200ms); and impulse (0-200ms) and 0- to 5-m time (r = -.517 to -.714; P < .05). IMTP impulse (B = -0.582, P = .023) and ISqT relative peak force (B = -0.606, P = .017) significantly predicted 0- to 5-m time. Among the women, no IMTP or ISqT variables significantly correlated with any sprint times. Men measured significantly higher than women for all IMTP measures except relative peak force. Men were significantly faster than women at all splits. When comparing measures of the ISqT, there were no significant differences between men and women. Variables measured during the IMTP and ISqT significantly correlated with 0- to 5-m sprint performance in male athletes. Isometric strength can have a sizable influence on 0- to 5-m time, but in some cases, the maximum effect could be very small.

Post-activation potentiation effect of eccentric overload and traditional weightlifting exercise on jumping and sprinting performance in male athletes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-activation potentiation (PAP) effects following eccentric overload (EOL) and traditional weightlifting (TW) exercise on standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 5 m sprint acceleration performance. Ten male athletes were involved in a randomized, crossover study. The subjects performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions of EOL or TW half squat exercise followed by SLJ, CMJ, and 5 m sprint tests at 1 min, 3 min and 7 min, in separate sessions using a randomized order. Bayes factor (BF10) was reported to show the strength of the evidence. Differences were found using EOL for SLJ distance at 3 min (BF10 = 7.24, +8%), and 7 min (BF10 = 19.5, +7%), for CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.25, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 4.12, +10.5%). Differences were found using TW exercise for SLJ at 3 min (BF10 = 3.88, +9%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +9%), CMJ at 3 min (BF10 = 7.42, +9.5%), and 7 min (BF10 = 12.4, +12%). No meaningful differences were found between EOL and TW exercises for SLJ (BF10 = 0.33), CMJ (BF10 = 0.27), and 5 m sprint (BF10 = 0.22). In conclusion, EOL and TW exercises acutely increase SLJ and CMJ, but not 5 m sprint performance. The PAP time window was found between 3 min and 7 min using both protocols. This study did not find differences between EOL and TW exercises, and so both methodologies can be used to stimulate a PAP response.

Differences in the Force Velocity Mechanical Profile and the Effectiveness of Force Application During Sprint-Acceleration Between Sprinters and Hurdlers.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the horizontal and vertical force-velocity profile between female sprinters and hurdlers. Twelve high-level athletes (6 sprinters and 6 hurdlers) participated in this investigation. The testing procedures consisted of two maximal 40-m sprints and five to six vertical jumps with additional loads. For the sprint-acceleration performance, the velocity-time data, recorded by a high-speed camera, was used to calculate the variables of the horizontal F-V profile (theoretical maximal values of force [HZT-F0], velocity [HZT-V0], power [HZT-Pmax], the proportion of the theoretical maximal effectiveness of force application in the antero-posterior direction [RFmax], and the rate of decrease in the ratio of horizontal force [DRF]). The best trial of each vertical jumping condition, obtained by an optical measurement system, was used to determine the components of the vertical F-V profile (theoretical maximal values of force [VTC-F0], velocity [VTC-V0], and power [VTC-Pmax]). The female sprinters showed higher statistical differences for HZT-Pmax (2.46 ± 0.67, d = 2.1, p = 0.004), HZT-V0 (0.45 ± 0.18, d = 1.4, p = 0.03), and RFmax% (2.9 ± 0.9%, d = 1.8, p = 0.01) than female hurdlers. No statistical differences were observed for HZT-F0 (0.69 ± 0.3, d = 1.15, p = 0.07), DRF% (−0.24 ± 0.4%, d = 0.3, p = 0.62), VTC-F0 (−2.1 ± 3.8, d = 0.3, p = 0.59), VTC-V0 (0.25 ± 0.31, d = 0.5, p = 0.45), and VTC-Pmax (1.75 ± 2.5, d = 0.4, p = 0.5). Female sprinters are able to apply higher horizontally-oriented forces onto the ground during the acceleration phase than female hurdlers.

The Influence of Hamstring Muscle Peak Torque and Rate of Torque Development for Sprinting Performance in Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: To investigate the association between hamstring muscle peak torque and rapid force capacity (rate of torque development, RTD) vs sprint performance in elite youth football players. Methods: Thirty elite academy youth football players (16.75 [1.1]y, 176.9 [6.7]cm, 67.1 [6.9]kg) were included. Isometric peak torque (in Newton meters per kilogram) and early- (0-100ms) and late- (0-200ms) phase RTD (RTD100, RTD200) (in Newton meters per second per kilogram) of the hamstring muscles were obtained as independent predictor variables. Sprint performance was assessed during a 30-m-sprint trial. Mechanical sprint variables (maximal horizontal force production [FH0, in Newtons per kilogram], maximal theoretical velocity [V0, in meters per second], maximal horizontal power output [Pmax, in watts per kilogram]) and sprint split times (0-5, 0-15, 0-30, and 15-30m, in seconds) were derived as dependent variables. Subsequently, linear-regression analysis was conducted for each pair of dependent and independent variables. Results: Positive associations were observed between hamstring RTD100 and FH0 (r2 = .241, P = .006) and Pmax (r2 = .227, P = .008). Furthermore, negative associations were observed between hamstring RTD100 and 0- to 5-m (r2 = .206, P = .012), 0- to 15-m (r2 = .217, P = .009), and 0- to 30-m sprint time (r2 = .169, P = .024). No other associations were observed. Conclusions: The present data indicate that early-phase (0-100ms) rapid force capacity of the hamstring muscles plays an important role for acceleration capacity in elite youth football players. In contrast, no associations were observed between hamstring muscle function and maximal sprint velocity. This indicates that strength training focusing on improving early-phase hamstring rate of force development may contribute to enhance sprint acceleration performance in this athlete population.

Are peak ground reaction forces related to better sprint acceleration performance?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to elucidate whether the peak (maximum) ground reaction force (GRF) can be used as an indicator of better sprint acceleration performance. Eighteen male sprinters performed 60-m maximal effort sprints, during which GRF for a 50-m distance was collected using a long force platform system. Then, step-to-step relationships of running acceleration with mean and peak GRFs were examined. In the anteroposterior direction, while the mean propulsive force was correlated with acceleration during the initial acceleration phase (to the 5th step) (r = 0.559–0.713), peak propulsive force was only correlated with acceleration at the 9th step (r = 0.481). Moreover, while the mean braking force was correlated with acceleration at the 20th and 22nd steps (r = 0.522 and 0.544, respectively), peak braking force was not correlated with acceleration at all steps. In the vertical direction, significant negative correlations of mean and peak vertical forces with acceleration were found at the same steps (16th, 20th and 22nd step). These results indicate that while the peak anteroposterior force cannot be an indicator of sprint acceleration performance, the peak vertical force is likely an indicator for achieving better acceleration during the later stage of maximal acceleration sprinting.

Effect of post-activation potentiation induced by one, two or three half-squats on repeated sprint acceleration performance

Effect of post-activation potentiation induced by one, two or three half-squats on repeated sprint acceleration performance

Spatiotemporal and Kinetic Determinants of Sprint Acceleration Performance in Soccer Players.

We aimed to elucidate spatiotemporal and kinetic determinants of sprint acceleration performance in soccer players. Thirty-seven male soccer players performed 60-m sprints. The spatiotemporal variables and ground reaction impulses were calculated over a 50-m distance. When controlling the influence of stature and body mass, change in running speed was correlated with the step length at the 1st–4th step section (r = 0.695), step frequency from the 9th to 20th step sections (r = 0.428 to 0.484), braking impulse during the 17th–20th step section (r = 0.328), propulsive impulse from the 1st to 8th step sections (r = 0.738 and 0.379), net anteroposterior impulse for all step sections (r = 0.384 to 0.678), and vertical impulse from the 9th–12th step section and thereafter (r = −0.355 to −0.428). These results confirmed that an effective acceleration is probably accomplished by a greater step length originated in greater propulsive impulse during the initial acceleration phase (to the 8th step), a higher step frequency through smaller vertical impulse and smaller braking impulse during the middle and later acceleration phases (from the 9th step), as well as greater net anteroposterior impulse during the entire acceleration phase.

Sprint Acceleration Mechanics in Fatigue Conditions: Compensatory Role of Gluteal Muscles in Horizontal Force Production and Potential Protection of Hamstring Muscles.

Aim: Hamstring muscle injury is the main injury related to sports requiring sprint acceleration. In addition, hamstring muscles have been reported to play a role in horizontal force production during sprint acceleration performance. The aim of the present study was to analyze (i) the determinants of horizontal force production and (ii) the role of hip extensors, and hamstring muscles in particular, for horizontal force production during repeated sprint-induced fatigue conditions.Method: In this experimental laboratory setting study including 14 sprint-trained male athletes, we analyzed (i) the changes in sprint mechanics, peak torque of the knee and hip extensors and flexors, muscle activity of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gluteus, and sagittal plane lower limb motion, before and after twelve 6-s sprints separated by 44 s rest on an instrumented motorized treadmill, and (ii) the determinants of horizontal force production (FH) during the sprint acceleration in a fatigue state (after 12 sprints).Results: The repeated-sprint protocol induced a decrease in maximal power output (Pmax) [-17.5 ± 8.9%; effect size (ES): 1.57, large] and in the contact-averaged horizontal force component (FH) (-8.6 ± 8.4%; ES: 0.86, moderate) but not meaningful changes in the contact-averaged resultant (total) force (FTot) (-3.4 ± 2.9%; ES: 0.55, small) and vertical force component (FV) (-3.1 ± 3.2%; ES: 0.49, small). A decrease was found in concentric peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors and in gluteus and vastus lateralis muscle activity during entire swing and end-of-swing phase. An increase was found in contact time and swing time, while step frequency and knee speed before ground contact decreased. Muscular determinants associated with FH and its decrease after the repeated-sprint protocol were concentric peak torque of the hip extensors (p = 0.033) and a decrease in gluteus maximus activity at the end-of-swing (p = 0.007), respectively.Conclusion: Sprint-induced fatigue lead to changes in horizontal force production muscular determinants: hamstring muscle seems not to have the same role than in non-fatigue condition. Horizontal force production seems to be more dependent on the hip extensors and gluteus maximus function. Given the fatigue-induced decrease in hamstring muscle strength, we can hypothesize that muscle compensatory and kinematic strategies reported in a fatigued state could be an adaptation to allow/maintain performance and a protective adaptation to limit hamstring muscles constraints.