How To Maintain Maximal Straight Path Running Speed on a Curved Path in Sprint Events

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the ideal technique for running on a curved path during sprinting events. Participants were twelve male track and field athletes including long jumpers and sprinters. The participants performed a 60-m sprint with maximal effort on straight and curved paths. Participants were divided into “good curve runners” and “poor curve runners” according to the curved path running speed relative to that of the straight path. Kinematic variables and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were registered and compared between the groups and paths. The running speed, step length, and flight distance of the outside leg on the curved path were lower than on the straight path only in poor curve runners. The medial-lateral GRF and impulse showed an increase during curved path running for both groups. However, the maximum posterior GRF and impulse decreased only in poor curve runners. The ideal technique for running on a curved path is to maintain the same kinematics and kinetics in the sagittal plane as on a straight path.

Optimizing running a race on a curved track

“…Final times are: 20.43 for the straight track, 20.46 for lane 8, and 20.48 for lane 1. Let us point out that our simulations are consistent with the experiments in [3], where runners are asked to run 60m on a straight path and on a curved path. The authors observe the existence of two groups, one "good" group who manages to reach the same velocity in the curved path as in the straight path and the other "poor" group who is strongly affected by the curve.…”

“…To our knowledge, no optimal control problem including these effects has been studied. There is a huge literature on the way of running on a curved track, see for instance [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Nevertheless, it is never coupled with the psychological effect to have a neighbor on the next lane, which is mentioned as important.…”

Curve Sprinting in Soccer: Kinematic and Neuromuscular Analysis

“…ences between the linear and "weak" side curve sprint (1.2 % difference), as well as between the "good" vs. "weak" side curve (1.6 % difference) (▶ table 1). Previous research reported similar results between curve and linear performance with no differences between both actions [28]. Conversely, a study [17] reported superior performances in linear sprints (30 m) in comparison with curve sprints.…”

How to build a new athletic track to break records

“…What about if the secret behind beating records was to build a new athletic track with a better geometry? Researchers have addressed theoretical issues on various aspects of sport records [1][2][3][4][5] or strategies [6][7][8][9][10], on the effect of running on a bend [11][12][13][14][15], however, little has been done on how to improve the records for running 200 m. Indeed, the more economical way to run is on a straight, but only the 100 m is run straight. Starting from 200 m, the track has curved parts so that the runner has to counter the centrifugal force and inner lanes are therefore disadvantaged.…”