Running patterns and force-velocity sprinting profiles in elite training young soccer players: A cross-sectional study. Issue 12 (2nd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Qingshan; Pommerell, Félicie; Owen, Adam; Trama, Robin; Martin, Cyril; Hautier, Christophe A.
• Is Part Of: European journal of sport science. Volume 21:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1718
• Page End: 1726
• Publication Date: 2021-12-02
• Subjects: Sprint kinetics -- mechanical properties -- maximal force -- maximal power; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 612
• DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1866078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-1391

Abstract

Abstract: The Volodalen® field method permits to classify runners into aerial or terrestrial, based on vertical oscillation, upper-body motion, pelvis and foot position at ground contact, and foot strike pattern. The present study aimed to compare the sprint running force-velocity profiles between aerial and terrestrial runners. Sixty-Four French National-Level young soccer players (28 females, 36 males) performed three trials of unloaded maximal 40 m sprints. External horizontal power-force-velocity relationships were computed using a validated biomechanical model and based on the velocity-time curve. Accordingly, the participants were classified into patterns in aerial and terrestrial runners. Terrestrial runners showed a higher maximal horizontal force ( F 0 ) (6.73 ± 1.03 vs 6.01 ± 0.94 N·kg −1 ), maximal horizontal power ( P max ) (14.04 ± 3.24 vs 12.51 ± 3.31W·kg −1 ), maximal acceleration ( Acc ) (6.83 ± 0.85 vs 6.26 ± 0.89 m·s −2 ), and maximal rate of horizontal force ( RF max ) (57.41 ± 4.64 vs 52.81 ± 5.69%) compared to aerial runners. In contrast, terrestrial runners displayed a more negative rate of decrease of RF ( D RF ) (−11.65 ± 1.71 vs −10.23 ± 1.66%) and slope of the Force-Velocity relationship (F-V slope) (−0.83 ± 0.11 vs −0.77 ± 0.10 N·s·m −1 ·kg −1 ) than aerial runners. The results indicate that terrestrial runners displayed more efficient force production in the forward direction and displayed more "force-oriented" F-V profiles. Nevertheless, aerial runners were more effective in maintaining a net horizontal force production with increasing speed. Our results suggest that terrestrial runners could be more adapted to the specific short distance and high acceleration sprints running.