Abstract

In this investigation on the relationships between maximal running velocity, muscle fiber characteristics, force production, and force relaxation, 25 male sprinters were used as the subjects. Needle biopsy samples were taken for the calculation of the distribution and relative area of the fast twitch (FT) and slow twitch (ST) fibers. Force production was measured on a force platform andon a dynamometer, on which also the relaxation period was recorded. Forward speed strength was studied by means of standing multijumps. The results showedthat maximal running velocity correlated positively and significantly with thepercentage of fast twitch fibers, stride rate, upward speed strength, forward speed strength, and maximal isometric force. The percentage of fast twitch fibers correlated positively and significantly with stride rate, upward speed strength, and maximal isometric force, and negatively with muscle endurance. Muscle endurance also correlated negatively with the fiber area ratio (type II: type I). It was concluded that muscle fiber distribution and stride rate strongly affect maximal running velocity and that the drop jump may prove useful in testing the speed strength component of sprinters. Verf.-Referat