EFFECTS OF GRADIENT VARIATIONS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO A 30-MINUTE RUN.

The article presents a study which examines how gradient variations affect physiological responses during downhill running (DHR) at an intensity of 70% of maximal oxygen capacity (VO_2max). It explores the hypothesis that the extent of the physiological responses of the subjects engage in DHR at different gradients is related to the gradient. Results show that the range of the lengthening contractions of the quadriceps femoris muscles seems to increase as the gradient becomes steeper.