Sprint mechanical differences at maximal running speed: Effects of performance level |
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| Authors: | Giorgios P Paradisis Athanassios Bissas Panagiotis Pappas Elias Zacharogiannis Apostolos Theodorou Olivier Girard |
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| Institution: | 1. Athletics Sector, School of Physical Education &2. Sport Science, National &3. Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greecegparadi@phed.uoa.gr https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5633-2878;5. Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK;6. Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece;7. Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greecehttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2439-6903;8. School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australiahttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-4797-182X |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTAs 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 signi?cantly 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. |
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| Keywords: | Sprint running performance level top sprint velocity Spatiotemporal parameters spring-mass characteristics |
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![ORCID Icon]({"type":"image","src":"/templates/jsp/images/orcid.png"} "ORCID Icon")
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5633-2878;5. Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds UK;6. Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece;7. Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece