David Sundström

Universitetslektor|Lecturer

Background

I graduated with a MSc in Sports Technology at the Mid Sweden University in 2010 and completed my PhD in 2016 with a thesis entitled “Numerical Optimization of Pacing Strategies in Locomotive Endurance Sports”. I currently work as a senior lecturer at the Sports Tech Research Centre at the Mid Sweden University. I also have the position as program director of the Bachelor's programs Additive manufacturing - mechanical engineering at the Mid Sweden University.

Area of interest

Pacing strategy and performance in endurance sports
Modelling of bioenergetics in sport
Biomechanics and performance in running

Research

Currently my research efforts are devided into three main topics:

a) Optimization of pacing strategy in locomotive endurance sports by numerical modelling. The main research question is: How may an athlete vary speed along the course in order to reach the finish line in the shortest time possible? When it comes to endurance sports there are several different factors influencing the optimal layout of a pacing scheme. Therefore, the research question is reformulated into several sub-problems to investigates the impact of each factor at a time. These factors include bioenergetics, course profile, cornering, ambient wind etc. The ultimate goal is to develop models that can assist athletes in their pacing considerations while racing.

b) Bioenergetic models that describe the energy supply to working muscles and how the mechanical work is generated.

c) Running biomechanics and running performance, predominantly in downhill running which is an essential part of trail running and orienteering.

Teaching and tutoring

I am currently teaching on the following courses at the bachelor's programs in sports technology and additive manufacturing:

Mechanics, 7.5 credits
Applied biomechanics, 7.5 credits
Solid mechanics, 7.5 credits
Analysis and simulation of mechanical design, 7.5 credits
Introduction to engineering and product development, 15 credits
Final Project, 15 credits

Other information

David's ResearchGate profile

Extra contact information

Room Q291c, House Q

Publications

Articles in journals

Lidar, J. , Ainegren, M. & Sundström, D. (2023). Development and validation of dynamic bioenergetic model for intermittent ergometer cycling. European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol. 123: 12, pp. 2755-2770.  

Sundström, D. , Kurz, M. & Björklund, G. (2021). Runners adapt different lower-limb movement patterns with respect to different speeds and downhill slopes. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, vol. 3    

Lidar, J. , Andersson, E. P. & Sundström, D. (2021). Validity and Reliability of Hydraulic-Analogy Bioenergetic Models in Sprint Roller Skiing. Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 12    

Sundström, D. & Bäckström, M. (2017). Optimization of pacing strategies for variable wind conditions in road cycling. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P, vol. 231: 3, pp. 184-199.  

Sundström, D. (2016). Anpassa farten för snabbare tider. Svensk Idrottsforskning,  

Sundström, D. (2016). On a bioenergetic four compartment model for human exercise. Sports Engineering, vol. 19: 4, pp. 251-263.  

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2014). Comparing bioenergetic models for the optimisation of pacing strategy in road cycling. Sports Engineering, vol. 17: 4, pp. 207-215.    

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. , Ståhl, F. & Tinnsten, M. (2013). Numerical optimization of pacing strategy in cross-country skiing. Structural and multidisciplinary optimization (Print), vol. 47: 6, pp. 943-950.    

Chapters in books

Carlsson, P. , Ainegren, M. , Tinnsten, M. , Sundström, D. , Esping, B. , Koptioug, A. & Bäckström, M. (2015). Cross-Country Ski. In The Engineering Approach to Winter Sports. Springer. pp. 107-152.    

Conference papers

Lidar, J. , Sundström, D. & Ainegren, M. (2021). Impact of dynamic friction on race times in cross-country skate skiing - a numerical simulation study. In European College of Sports Science Virtual Congress, September 8-10, 2021.  

Björklund, G. , Danvind, J. & Sundström, D. (2019). The effect of speed and gradient on running economy and oxygen uptake during downhill running. Paper presented at the The 24th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science, 2019, 3-6 July, Prague, Czech Republic.

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Andersson, E. (2018). Comparison of Power Output Estimates in Treadmill Roller-Skiing. In Proceedings. Basel :    

Bäckström, M. , Carlsson, P. , Danvind, J. , Koptioug, A. , Sundström, D. & Tinnsten, M. (2016). A New Wind Tunnel Facility Dedicated to Sports Technology Research and Development. In Procedia Engineering. (Procedia Engineering). pp. 62--67.    

Sundström, D. , Bäckström, M. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2015). A four compartment model on human exercise bioenergetics. In Procedia Engineering. (Procedia Engineering). pp. 4--9.    

Sundström, D. , Bäckström, M. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2015). Optimal distribution of power output and braking for corners in road cycling. Paper presented at the Science and Cycling, Utrecht 1-2 July 2015  

Sundström, D. , Tinnsten, M. & Carlsson, P. (2014). The influence of course bends on pacing strategy in road cycling. In Conference Proceedings of The Engineering of Sport 10. (Procedia Engineering). pp. 835--840.  

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2013). On Optimization of Pacing Strategy in Road Cycling. In 6TH ASIA-PACIFIC CONGRESS ON SPORTS TECHNOLOGY (APCST). Melbourne : (Procedia Engineering). pp. 118--123.  

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2011). Optimizing pacing strategies on a hilly track in cross-country skiing. In Procedia Engineering. (Procedia engineering). pp. 10--16.    

Doctoral theses

Sundström, D. (2016). Numerical optimization of pacing strategies in locomotive endurance sports. Dis. (Comprehensive summary) Östersund : Mid Sweden University, 2016 (Mid Sweden University doctoral thesis : 237)  

Licentiate theses, comprehensive summaries

Sundström, D. (2013). Optimized Pacing Strategies in Cross-Country Skiing and Time-Trial Road Cycling. Lic. (Comprehensive summary) Östersund : Mid Sweden University, 2013 (Mid Sweden University licentiate thesis : 95)  

The page was updated 9/22/2022