Relationship between step rate and electromyographic discharge pattern of leg muscles during the long distance running
1996 Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 57-64
Details
1996 Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 57-64
During the long distance running, the most economical step rate (optimal step rate) always coincided with the free step rate. Both the increase and decrease in step rate from the free step rate caused decreasing of running economy in male runner.
In the present study, EMG of the leg muscles of five males and four females (m.rectus femoris, m.biceps femoris, m.gastrocnemius, m. tibialis anterior) were put on records during running on the motor-driven treadmill at the various step rates. On the data, the effect of neural control of leg muscles on running economy was recognized.
At a lower step rate (below 160 steps/min.) and a higher step rate (above 180 steps/min.), the electromyographic discharge patterns were remarkably different from running at the economical step rate (170 steps/min.) in male. (For example, discharge occurred earlier, and continued longer).
The results suggest that neural control of leg muscles is concerned in running economy.
