FUNCTIONAL MUSCLE MECHANICS IN SPORTS: WHY WE SHOULD CARE!

##article.authors##

  • Walter Herzog
  • Anthony Killick

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sport##common.commaListSeparator## muscle##common.commaListSeparator## performance##common.commaListSeparator## muscle properties##common.commaListSeparator## force-length relationship##common.commaListSeparator## force-velocity relationship##common.commaListSeparator## optimization##common.commaListSeparator## cross-country skiing##common.commaListSeparator## cycling

##article.abstract##

The mechanical properties of muscles frequently determine the performance limits of athletes. Nevertheless, even the most basic properties of muscles, such as the force-length and force-velocity relationships are rarely considered in sport performance analysis. Here, we demonstrate with examples of track cycling and cross-country skiing that many technical choices in sport can be explained by an understanding of the basic properties of skeletal muscles and that performance can be enhanced as a result of this understanding. There is a gap of research between sport and muscle mechanics that is largely unexplored but offers exciting possibilities for basic science and applied athletic coaching and training.

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##submissions.published##

2013-08-27

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31 International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports (2013)

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Keynote-Lectures

##submission.license##

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