Kinetic Asymmetries During Submaximal and Maximal Speed Running

Kinesiology iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A work like this is never the product of a single person. Many individuals' time and effort went into making this document successful. First and foremost I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Graham Caldwell for the countless hours and liters of red ink that you have contributed to this thesis. Graham, without you, this document would never exist so sincerest thanks are in order! To the rest of my committee; Drs. Wesley Autio for their input and contributions to both this work and my learning throughout my two years at UMass. You are all great scientists and I can't thank you enough for all that I have learned from each of you. To the University of Massachusetts Kinesiology staff, professors and students; thank you ALL for everything. A sentence or two cannot begin to describe how you all have influenced me during the completion of my degree. I'd like to acknowledge the time and effort of my subjects because without people like you, science does not progress. A special thanks to Sangsoo Park, Michelle Gosselin and Ashley O'Brien for your long hours spent helping me collect data in the lab. And to my family; I can never begin to repay you for all of the love and support you have shown me. Without you I would not succeed. Finally, to Sam; your drive and determination are traits that I try to emulate every day. I can't thank you enough for you constant, distance-traversing encouragement and love. You have supported this endeavor since day one and allowed me to complete a milestone in my scientific life. A big, big thank you! iv ABSTRACT KINETIC ASYMMETRIES DURING SUBMAXIMAL AND The ability to attain maximal running velocity is a major factor in many athletic events. Typically human sprinters increase center of mass (CoM) velocity at submaximal speed by increasing both stride length and stride frequency, but then rely predominantly on increasing stride frequency to attain maximal CoM velocity (Luhtanen and Komi, 1978). An important issue for sports scientists, coaches and athletes is an understanding of the factors within a stride that can enhance or limit maximal running speed. Previous research has identified horizontal braking and propulsive impulses, vertical propulsive impulse, effective vertical stiffness, peak concentric hip extension muscle power during swing and peak eccentric knee flexion muscle power during swing as potential kinetic difference in kinetic or kinematic …