title: A simple method for measuring power, force, velocity properties, and mechanical effectiveness in sprint running.
abstract: This study aimed to validate a simple field method for determining force- and power-velocity relationships and mechanical effectiveness of force application during sprint running. The proposed method, based on an inverse dynamic approach applied to the body center of mass, estimates the step-averaged ground reaction forces in runner's sagittal plane of motion during overground sprint acceleration from only anthropometric and spatiotemporal data. Force- and power-velocity relationships, the associated variables, and mechanical effectiveness were determined (a) on nine sprinters using both the proposed method and force plate measurements and (b) on six other sprinters using the proposed method during several consecutive trials to assess the inter-trial reliability. The low bias (<5%) and narrow limits of agreement between both methods for maximal horizontal force (638 ± 84 N), velocity (10.5 ± 0.74 m/s), and power output (1680 ± 280 W); for the slope of the force-velocity relationships; and for the mechanical effectiveness of force application showed high concurrent validity of the proposed method. The low standard errors of measurements between trials (<5%) highlighted the high reliability of the method. These findings support the validity of the proposed simple method, convenient for field use, to determine power, force, velocity properties, and mechanical effectiveness in sprint running.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Exercise Physiology (EA4338), University Savoie Mont Blanc, Le Bourget du Lac, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Samozino
authors.affiliation: Research Department, Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance, French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rabita
authors.affiliation: Laboratory "Motricité, Interactions, Performance" (EA 4334), University of Nantes, Nantes, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dorel
authors.affiliation: CeSERM - EA 2931, UFRSTAPS, Université de Paris Ouest Nanterre la Défense, Paris, France.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Slawinski
authors.affiliation: Laboratory IRISSE (EA4075), University of La Réunion, Le Tampon, La Réunion, France.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Peyrot
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Human Performance, Department of Sports, University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saez de Villarreal
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Human Motricity, Education Sport and Health (EA6312), University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France.
authors.forename: J-B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Morin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016552:Ergometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Acceleration; evaluation; lower limb explosive capabilities; maximal performance; ratio of force application; sprint mechanics