Mathematical models of running. (English) Zbl 0782.76109

Pritchard, W. G.

SIAM Rev. 35, No. 3, 359-379 (1993).

Based on a careful appraisal of the various models, it is suggested that approximately \(3\%\) of a sprinter’s effort is spent on overcoming air resistance, a figure that is supported by an independent estimate derived from the long jump. An interesting consequence of the analysis is the feature that the benefits of sprinting at altitude cannot be accounted for wholly by the reduced air density, suggesting that there may be some physiological benefit to sprinting at altitude.

MSC:

76Z99

Biological fluid mechanics

Keywords:

air resistance; sprinting at altitude