Scientists have long linked the heels of sprinterskimi qualities

Researchers found that sprinterskie quality of the athlete depends on the length of his heel. In his work, published in The Journal of Experimental Biology, scientists have shown that the smaller distance between the ankle and ahillesovym tendon, the more effective use energy in the race. Briefly the main findings of the leading magazine New Scientist.

Ahillesovo tendon is located on the back of the ankle and connects the muscles of caviar from pyatkoy. The researchers suggested that energy efficiency in the race depends on how much energy could be stocks in the tendon. When the leg runner impact on the land tendon declining energy reserve, which is released during lifting his feet from the surface.

Using a mathematical model of the feet, the scientists showed that the number of store energy primarily depends not on the mechanical properties of tendons, and the distance from the ankle to the tendon. What is less, the less energy is required athlete to run at the same speed.

To confirm that assumption, the authors studied the physical characteristics of the 15 professional runners. Researchers measured the distance from the ankle to ahillesova tendon, and then determine the level of energy consumption athletes in the race for the running track at a speed of 16 kilometers per hour. The results showed that less than a "heel" runner, the less oxygen his body swallowed during the experiment. That is, athletes with "small size" make more efficient use of energy.