DYNAMIC OPTIMIZATION OF MAXIMUM-EFFORT HUMAN SPRINTING

Maximum speed is an important parameter for sprinting humans, particularly in athletic competitions. While the biomechanics of sprinting have been well-studied [1–3], our understanding of biomechanical limits to maximum speed is still in its infancy. Previous studies have suggested a speed-limiting role for the force-velocity relationship of skeletal muscle [2], but these theories are difficult to verify experimentally due to the difficulty in observing and manipulating human muscle dynamics in vivo.Copyright © 2009 by ASME