The Effects of a 10-Kilometer Run on Muscle Strength and Power

Recovery of maximal force and power following a 10-km race has not been widely studied in the scientific literature. Ten healthy men who were experienced distance runners participated in this investigation. Data were collected prerace, immediate postrace, and 48 hours postrace to examine the effect of a 10-km race on muscle force production in the lower body. Maximal peak torque was measured via an isokinetic dynamometer at 30 degrees, 180 degrees, and 300 degrees.s-1. A significant (p <or= 0.05) reduction in peak torque for knee flexion was observed at 30 degrees.s-1 immediately postrace. Average power of the knee flexors were significantly decreased immediately postrace. Total work (J) flexion performed over the last 17 repetitions of the 50-repetition test were significantly reduced from baseline values during both the immediate and 48-hour postrace tests. Significant reductions in peak vertical jump force remained reduced 48 hours postrace testing. No changes were observed for jump power after the race. These data indicate that only the hamstring muscle group was not fully recovered to perform the 50-repetition test and that force production in the vertical jump test was compromised 48 hours after a 10-km race. Nevertheless, it appears that strength and power capabilities of the 10-km runner are for the most part restored 48 hours after an all-out 10-km race effort. From a practical perspective, it appears that a minimum of 48 hours should be utilized between multiple trials in 10-km races at track and field meets.