The aim of the studies described in this thesis was to investigate the differences
in work and metabolism between concentric and eccentric muscle actions and to
examine the relationship between these muscle actions and sprint performance.
The relationship between concentric and eccentric isokinetic muscle strength
across three lower limb joints and sprinting performance, including the use of
theoretical models was examined, in elite performers. Sprints were performed
over 15 m and 35 m with times recorded over 0–15 m and 30–35 m. Using linear
regression and expressing sprint performance as time, the strongest relationship
found, amongst those joint actions and speeds tested, was between concentric
knee extension at 240 deg.s-1 and sprint performance (0–15 m times, r=-0.518,
p<0.01, and 30–35 m times, r=-0.688, p<0.01). [Continues.
