Impulse Control: Why Sprinting Isn’t About Peak Power

This article explores the proper use of mechanical terms like work, energy, force, impulse, momentum, and power in the context of sprinting. It emphasizes why impulse—not power, peak force, or rate of force development—is the key metric for sprint performance. By examining the unique demands of sprinting and the force-velocity relationship at both the whole-body and muscle level, it provides a nuanced framework for designing effective training programs grounded in biomechanical principles.