Biomechanics of Sprint Running

Abstract

Understanding of biomechanical factors in sprint running is useful because of their critical value to performance. Some variables measured in distance running are also important in sprint running. Significant factors include: reaction time, technique, electromyographic (EMG) activity, force production, neural factors and muscle structure. Although various methodologies have been used, results are clear and conclusions can be made. The reaction time of good athletes is short, but it does not correlate with performance levels. Sprint technique has been well analysed during acceleration, constant velocity and deceleration of the velocity curve. At the beginning of the sprint run, it is important to produce great force/power and generate high velocity in the block and acceleration phases. During the constant-speed phase, the events immediately before and during the braking phase are important in increasing explosive force/power and efficiency of movement in the propulsion phase. There are no research results available regarding force production in the sprint-deceleration phase. The EMG activity pattern of the main sprint muscles is described in the literature, but there is a need for research with highly skilled sprinters to better understand the simultaneous operation of many muscles. Skeletal muscle fibre characteristics are related to the selection of talent and the training-induced effects in sprint running. Efficient sprint running requires an optimal combination between the examined biomechanical variables and external factors such as footwear, ground and air resistance. Further research work is needed especially in the area of nervous system, muscles and force and power production during sprint running. Combining these with the measurements of sprinting economy and efficiency more knowledge can be achieved in the near future.

Biomechanical structure of sprint start and effect of biological feedback methods on sprint start performance

“…There are studies indicating that sprint athletes with higher performance levels are able to generate higher propulsive forces onto the starting blocks (8,16,31,44). Mero et al (32) showed that maximal rate of force development (highest force generated within the smallest time frame) was crucial in attaining maximal block velocity.…”

“…Step frequency depends on the genetic make-up the sprint athlete and the function of the central nervous system that allows greater number of muscle fibers to be recruited (31). As the step frequency increases, step length gets shorter and vice versa is true.…”

The Effect of Shoe Weight on Sprint Performance: A Biomechanical Perspective

“…However, these scenarios are difficult to standardize and varying skill levels between participants might blur a shoe effect. In addition, the generalizability of this study's findings to the maximum velocity phase of a sprint might be limited as it considerably differs from the early acceleration phase with respect to force and kinematic patterns [34]. Finally, due to the weight bag located at the rear part of the shoes, the weight distribution of the test shoes did not perfectly represent the weight distribution of basketball shoes available on the market.…”

“…A decrease in horizontal breaking force after ground contact has traditionally been suggested to improve sprint start performance [20,34]. Furthermore, increased knee flexion and hip extension, representing a more "active touchdown", might reduce horizontal breaking forces [20].…”

Effects of Dynamic Stretch Training on Lower Extremity Power Performance of Young Sprinters

“…Sprinting consists of three different phases: initial acceleration, attainment of maximal velocity, and maintenance of maximal velocity 9) . However, sprinters do not acknowledge these components while sprinting because their goals are to reduce sprinting time and to reach the goal line fi rst 2) .…”