Sprint mechanical differences at maximal running speed: Effects of performance level

Paradisis, G.P., Bissas, A., Pappas, P., Zacharogiannis, E., Theodorou, A. and Girard, O. (2019) Sprint mechanical differences at maximal running speed: Effects of performance level. Journal of Sports Sciences . In Press.

Abstract

As the effect of performance level on sprinting mechanics has not been fully studied, we examined mechanical differences at maximal running speed (MRS) over a straight-line 35 m sprint amongst sprinters of different performance levels. Fifty male track and field sprinters, divided in Slow, Medium and Fast groups (MRS: 7.67 ± 0.27 m∙s −1 , 8.44 ± 0.22 m∙s −1 , and 9.37 ± 0.41 m∙s −1 , respectively) were tested. A high-speed camera (250 Hz) recorded a full stride in the sagittal plane at 30–35 m. MRS was higher (p < 0.05) in Fast vs. Medium (+11.0%) and Slow (+22.1%) as well as in Medium vs. Slow (+10.0%). Twelve, eight and seven out of 21 variables significantly distinguished Fast from Slow, Fast from Medium and Medium from Slow sprinters, respectively. Propulsive phase was significantly shorter in Fast vs. Medium (−17.5%) and Slow (−29.4%) as well as in Medium vs. Slow (−14.4%). Fast sprinters had significantly higher vertical and leg stiffness values than Medium (+44.1% and +18.1%, respectively) and Slow (+25.4% and +22.0%, respectively). MRS at 30–35 m increased with performance level during a 35-m sprint and was achieved through shorter contact time, longer step length, faster step rate, and higher vertical and leg stiffness. © 2019,

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Psychology and Exercise Science
Publisher:	Routledge
Copyright:	© 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/45839

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