UNDERSTANDING MUSCLE PROPERTIES IN SPORTS PERFORMANCEOPTIMIZATION

Authors

  • Walter Herzog

Keywords:

Skeletal muscle, force-length relationship, force-velocity relationship, residual force enhancement (depression), sprint cycling, cross-country skiing, muscle mechanics, performance optimization

Abstract

Understanding muscle properties in the context of sports movements is crucial for maximizing power output, minimizing the cost of transport, or delaying fatigue. Here, we review the three basic properties of skeletal muscles that affect optimal working performance: the force-length, the force (power)-velocity, and the time-dependent force properties. We demonstrate on two examples (cycling and cross-country skiing) how knowledge of muscle properties can help maximize sport performance.

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Issue

29 International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports (2011)

Section

Keynote-Lectures

License

Authors can retain copyright, while granting the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) the right of first publication.