EXPLOSIVE PLANTAR FLEXOR PERFORMANCE: A COMPARISON OF ELITE SPRINTERS VERSUS PHYSICALLY ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS

Authors

Evan D. Crotty, University of Limerick, LimerickFollow
Laura-Anne FurlongFollow
Andrew J. Harrison, University of LimerickFollow

Category

Athletics

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

This study examined differences in explosive muscular torque production of the plantar flexors of participants with differing training backgrounds. Explosive performance of a group of elite sprinters (n = 14) and physically active individuals (n = 14) were examined during explosive and maximal isometric contractions across different muscle-tendon unit (MTU) lengths. The rate of torque development (RTD) across time windows (0-50, 50-100, 100-150 ms) and maximal voluntary torque (MVT) was measured. Sprinters exhibited greater early phase RTD (0-50, 50-100 ms) across MTU lengths. Relative MVT was greater for sprinters at the dorsiflexed MTU length only. The results suggest sprint-specific training contributes to the improved explosive performance of the plantar flexors across MTU lengths, particularly in the early phase of muscular contraction.

Recommended Citation

Crotty, Evan D.; Furlong, Laura-Anne; and Harrison, Andrew J. (2021) "EXPLOSIVE PLANTAR FLEXOR PERFORMANCE: A COMPARISON OF ELITE SPRINTERS VERSUS PHYSICALLY ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 39: Iss. 1, Article 51.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol39/iss1/51