Continuous change in spring-mass characteristics during a 400 m sprint.

The purpose of the present study was to utilise a spring-mass model to (1) continuously measure vertical stiffness (K(vert)) and leg stiffness (K(leg)) over an entire 400 m sprint, and (2) investigate the relationship between leg spring stiffness (K(vert) and K(vert)) and the performance characteristics of mean forward running velocity (V(forwad)), mean stride frequency (f(stride)), and mean stride length (L(stride)). Eight well-trained male athletes performed a 400 m sprint with maximal effort on an outdoor field track. K(vert) was calculated from the subjects' body mass, ground contact time and flight time at each step. V(forwad), f(stride) and L(stride) were determined from video images. K(vert) and V(forwad) peaked at the 50-100 m interval, and consistently decreased from the middle to the later part of the sprint. K(leg) peaked at first 50 m interval, and remained constant from next 50 m interval to finish. As compared with peak values, K(vert) and V(forward) in the last 50 m decreased by about 40% and 25%, respectively. A significant positive linear relationship existed between the K(vert) and V(forward). While K(vert) was significantly correlated with f(stride), it had no correlation with L(stride). Further, no significant positive linear relationship was found between K(leg) and V(forward), f(stride), or L(stride). This result indicates that in order to keep V(forward) at later stage of a 400 m sprint, maintaining the higher f(stride) through retaining a higher K(vert) would be necessary.