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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-04-2015 | Original Article

An Ironman triathlon reduces neuromuscular performance due to impaired force transmission and reduced leg stiffness

Authors: Sandro Manuel Mueller, Patrizia Knechtle, Beat Knechtle, Marco Toigo

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 4/2015

Abstract

Purpose

An Ironman triathlon is associated with changes in body composition as well as decreases in neuromuscular function. While the changes in body composition occurring during an Ironman are well investigated, comprehensive data on the changes in neuromuscular performance are scarce. In the present study, we investigated the mechanical alterations underlying reported reductions in maximal muscular force and power after an Ironman race in men.

Methods

Before and directly after an Ironman, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and multiple one-legged hopping (m1LH) maneuvers were performed to assess fatigue-related alterations in mechanical variables in thirteen male non-professional triathletes.

Results

During CMJ, peak power (P = 0.003), peak velocity (P < 0.001), jump height (P = 0.007), and rate of force development (P = 0.042) decreased during the Ironman. Total (P < 0.001) and positive (P = 0.003) impulses during a CMJ were reduced after the triathlon, while both negative impulses did not differ pre to post Ironman. Absolute peak force remained constant during CMJ (P = 0.200) and SJ (P = 0.764). Maximal voluntary ground reaction force (F _m1LH, P < 0.001) and peak stiffness (P = 0.003) during m1LH were decreased after the Ironman.

Conclusions

The reduced CMJ height was a result of the lower positive impulse. Therefore, the neuromuscular deficit after the Ironman race was due to impairments in force transmission, resulting in a lower average positive force during CMJ, because of a slower rate of force development. The decreased F _m1LH could be partly explained by reduced leg stiffness.

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Title: An Ironman triathlon reduces neuromuscular performance due to impaired force transmission and reduced leg stiffness
Authors: Sandro Manuel Mueller
Patrizia Knechtle
Beat Knechtle
Marco Toigo
Publication date: 01-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-014-3051-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

An Ironman triathlon reduces neuromuscular performance due to impaired force transmission and reduced leg stiffness

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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