Kinematic analysis of the block start and 20-metre acceleration phase in two highly-trained sprinters: A case report

Janowski, Michał; Zieliński, Jacek; Włodarczyk, Michał; Kusy, Krzysztof

doi:10.29359/bjhpa.09.3.02

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 18 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Other technologies have been used, although caution must be applied to data from currently available laser [96] and global positioning system (GPS) [97] devices during early acceleration. Inertial measurement units offer a theoretically promising option for relatively noninvasive data collection during training [98]. However, the error in such data must be critically considered in the context of the smallest meaningful differences for understanding sprint start technique, particularly given the magnitudes of random measurement error previously reported [99, 100].…”

Section: Other Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Biomechanics of the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Narrative Review

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The start from blocks is a fundamental component of all track and field sprint events (≤ 400 m). This narrative review focusses on biomechanical aspects of the block phase and the subsequent first flight and stance phases. We discuss specific features of technique and how they may be important for a high level of performance during the start. The need to appropriately quantify performance is discussed first; external power has recently become more frequently adopted because it provides a single measure that appropriately accounts for the requirement to increase horizontal velocity as much as possible in as little time as possible. In the "set" position, a relatively wide range of body configurations are adopted by sprinters irrespective of their ability level, and between-sprinter differences in these general positions do not appear to be directly associated with block phase performance. Greater average force production during the push against the blocks, especially from the rear leg and particularly the hip, appears to be important for performance. Immediately after exiting the blocks, shorter first flight durations and longer first stance durations (allowing more time to generate propulsive force) are found in sprinters of a higher performance level. During the first stance phase, the ankle and knee both appear to play an important role in energy generation, and higher levels of performance may be associated with a stiffer ankle joint and the ability to extend the knee throughout stance. However, the role of the sprinter's body configuration at touchdown remains unclear, and the roles of strength and anatomy in these associations between technique and performance also remain largely unexplored. Other aspects such as the sex, age and performance level of the studied sprinters, as well as issues with measurement and comparisons with athletes with amputations, are also briefly considered.

show abstract

Section: Other Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Biomechanics of the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Narrative Review

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In a study of Janowski et al, 10 it was aimed to evaluate individual kinematic characteristics in highly trained sprinters during the "set" position, block clearance and a 20-m acceleration phase; it was concluded that fast block clearance and stride symmetry are key factors affecting sprint performance during the 20-m acceleration phase. Despite these results, it is important to mention that rapid clearance not always mean that high levels of force or power are being exerted on starting blocks.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to the characteristics of the sprinters and the specificity of the start from starting blocks, it seems that a quick start off is a key factor for the performance in the first 20 meters (20-m) of sprint. 10 However, the maximal isometric force (MIF) on starting blocks and its relation to performance in the first few meters of the sprint has not been evaluated. 10 To help with these relation, there are functional electromechanical dynamometers (FEMDs) that allow to execute evaluation in similar conditions from competition, specifically in vector planes and muscular contractions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…10 However, the maximal isometric force (MIF) on starting blocks and its relation to performance in the first few meters of the sprint has not been evaluated. 10 To help with these relation, there are functional electromechanical dynamometers (FEMDs) that allow to execute evaluation in similar conditions from competition, specifically in vector planes and muscular contractions. 11 Considering that the isometric force is present during the "set" position on starting blocks and that, nowadays, there are devices that allow quantifying the strength exerted in different vector planes, the primary aim of this study was to determine the influence of MIF on starting blocks over time performance in 5, 10 and 20-m sprints.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Influence of Maximal Isometric Strength on 20-Meter Sprint Time

Ojeda

Jerez‐Mayorga

Maliqueo

et al. 2021

Rev Bras Med Esporte

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction The squat is an exercise that is widely used for the development of strength in sports. However, considering that not all sports gestures are vertical, it is important to investigate the effectiveness of propulsive force stimuli applied in different planes. Objective The main purpose of this study was to determine the influence of maximum isometric force (MIF) exerted on starting blocks over performance in 5, 10 and 20-meter sprints. Methods Seven high-level male sprinters (mean age ± SD = 28 ± 5.77 years) participated in this study. The variables were: a) MIF in squats and on starting blocks (measured using a functional electromechanical dynamometer [FEMD]), b) time in 5, 10 and 20-m sprints and c) jump height (measured by the squat jump test). For data analysis, a Pearson correlation was performed between the different variables. The criteria for interpreting the strength of the r coefficients were as follows: trivial (<0.1), small (0.1−0.3), moderate (0.3−0.5), high (0.5−0.7), very high (0.7−0.9), or practically perfect (>0.9). The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results There was very high correlation between MIF exerted on starting blocks and performance in the first meters of the sprint (5-m: r = -0.84, p = 0.01). However, there was small correlation between MIF in squats and performance in the first meters of the sprint (5-m: r = -0.22, p < 0.62). Conclusion The MIF applied on starting blocks correlates very high with time in the first meters of the sprint in high-level athletes. In addition, the use of the FEMD provides a wide range of possibilities for evaluation and development of strength with a controlled natural movement. Level of evidence IV; Prognostic Studies - Case series.

show abstract

Determinant biomechanical variables for each sprint phase performance in track and field: A systematic review

Moura,

Leme,

Nakamura

et al. 2023

International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sprint studies present several variables and methodologies for biomechanical analysis in different phases of running. The variability in the analysis of the sample and distance covered may impede the application of the results in track and field athletes. The objective of this systematic review was to characterize the determinant biomechanical variables analyzed in the literature in each sprint phase. Four electronic databases were used (MEDLINE, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Scopus). Only biomechanical studies with track and field athletes were selected. After the identification, screening, and eligibility process, 109 studies were included for qualitative synthesis and analyzed by the risk of bias assessment. The studies were classified in different sprint phases, according to the sprint task described by the authors (sprint start = 27, acceleration = 32, constant speed = 8, deceleration = 4, and not specified = 38). Factors such as the center of mass position, contact time, force applied on the rear block, and athletes’ ability to generate high amounts of force in the shortest possible time influence the sprint start performance. The acceleration phase is characterized by step frequency and step length transition, propulsive force, and minimization of braking force. Consequently, directing the resulting force as vertically as possible in the braking phase and as horizontally as possible in the anterior direction during the propulsive phase is important during the constant speed phase. In the deceleration phase, the decrease in step frequency and the increase in contact time may influence speed maintenance and, consequently, the result.

show abstract

Kinematic analysis of the block start and 20-metre acceleration phase in two highly-trained sprinters: A case report

Cited by 3 publications

References 18 publications

The Biomechanics of the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Narrative Review

The Biomechanics of the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Narrative Review

Influence of Maximal Isometric Strength on 20-Meter Sprint Time

Determinant biomechanical variables for each sprint phase performance in track and field: A systematic review

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About