Built for speed: musculoskeletal structure and sprinting ability.

Sabrina S M Lee1, Stephen J Piazza

  • 1Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, USA.

Summary

Sprinting speed is enhanced by a smaller Achilles' tendon moment arm and longer toes. These adaptations in sprinters improve the foot's "gear ratio," optimizing muscle function for greater forward impulse during push-off.

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