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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running

Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Kinematics between the Initial and Terminal Phase of 5km Treadmill Running

Published on: July 17, 2020

Alteration in neuromuscular function after a 5 km running time trial.

O Girard¹, G P Millet, J-P Micallef

¹Research and Education Centre, ASPETAR-Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, PO Box 29222, Doha, Qatar. oliv.girard@gmail.com

European Journal of Applied Physiology

|October 21, 2011

Summary

A 5 km running time trial significantly reduces plantar flexor strength in triathletes. This fatigue stems from peripheral neuromuscular transmission failures and reduced neural drive to the muscles.

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Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Neuromuscular Physiology
Sports Science

Background:

Understanding the neuromuscular consequences of endurance running is crucial for optimizing athlete performance and recovery.
Plantar flexor muscles are key for running, and their fatigue can significantly impact performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of a 5 km running time trial on the neuromuscular properties of plantar flexor muscles in well-trained triathletes.
To identify the underlying mechanisms of strength reduction following intense running exercise.

Main Methods:

Eleven well-trained triathletes completed a 5 km running time trial.
Neuromuscular assessments, including maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), twitch interpolation, and H-reflex/M-wave measurements, were performed pre- and post-exercise.
EMG activity and muscle activation were analyzed.

Main Results:

Maximal voluntary contraction strength decreased by 27% post-run, attributed to reduced muscle activation and normalized EMG.
M-wave amplitudes and H/M ratios significantly decreased, indicating impaired neuromuscular transmission and altered spinal reflex excitability.
Single twitch torque and contraction/relaxation times were reduced, suggesting impaired excitation-contraction coupling.

Conclusions:

A 5 km running time trial induces peripheral neuromuscular fatigue in plantar flexors.
The observed strength reduction is due to failures in neuromuscular transmission and excitation-contraction coupling.
Fatigue also leads to decreased motor output from spinal cord neurons, partly due to motoneuron pool inhibition.