Downhill running affects the late but not the early phase of the rate of force development

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the acute changes in the knee extensors maximum voluntary isometric contraction force (MVIC), rate of force development (RFD), and rate of EMG rise (RER) following a bout of downhill running. Methods MVIC and RFD at 0–50, 50–100, 100–200, and 0–200 ms were determined in thirteen men (22 ± 2 yr) before and after 30 min of downhill running (speed: 10 km h −1 ; slope: − 20%). Vastus lateralis maximum EMG (EMG max ) and RER at 0–30, 0–50, and 0–75 ms were also recorded. Results MVIC, RFD 0–200 , and EMG max decreased by ~ 25% [Cohen’s d = − 1.09 (95% confidence interval: − 1.88/− 0.24)], ~ 15% [ d = − 0.50 (− 1.26/0.30)], and ~ 22% [ d = − 0.37 (− 1.13/0.42)] (all P < 0.05), respectively. RFD 100–200 was also reduced [− 25%; d = − 0.70 (− 1.47/0.11); P < 0.001]. No change was observed at 0–50 ms and 50–100 ms ( P ≥ 0.05). RER values were similar at each time interval (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Downhill running impairs the muscle capacity to produce maximum force and the overall ability to rapidly develop force. No change was observed for the early phase of the RFD and the absolute RER, suggesting no alterations in the neural mechanisms underlying RFD. RFD 100–200 reduction suggests that impairments in the rapid force-generating capacity are located within the skeletal muscle, likely due to a reduction in muscle–tendon stiffness and/or impairments in the muscle contractile apparatus. These findings may help explain evidence of neuromuscular alterations in trail runners and following prolonged duration races wherein cumulative eccentric loading is high.