The Effect of Foot Spacing on the Starting Time and Speed in Sprinting and the Relation of Physical Measurements to Foot Spacing

Dickinson, Alex

doi:10.1080/23267402.1934.10761653

Cited by 11 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…The starting technique is greatly influenced by the setting of the block positions with regards to spacing and obliquities [8,20,21]. Bezodis, Salo, & Trewartha [3] demonstrated that “a single optimal set position” for everybody is not recommended due to varying physical factors, and therefore sprinters generally find their own preferred distance between the blocks according to sensations or outcomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The importance of anteroposterior inter-block spacing on the sprint movement during the block start phase has been extensively investigated in several studies [3,6,9,12, 21–24]. The three main types of block spacing investigated in the literature [20] are the bunched start (spacing generally <30 cm), the medium start (30 to 50 cm) and the elongated start (>50 cm). A number of studies found that the velocity of the centre of mass at block clearing is higher when the inter-block spacing increases due to an increase of force impulse [2,11,22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When looking for the best front block/starting line and inter-block distances for an individual athlete, it would seem obvious that the block distances should be relative to the individual’s body dimensions. However, very few studies considered the anteroposterior block distances in relation to the individual body dimensions of the athlete [11,20,22]. A study conducted by Dickinson [20] stated that the distance of the front block from the starting line should depend on the height of the individual, and the distance of the rear block from the starting line on the leg and the thigh lengths, irrespective of the type of the start used (bunched, medium, elongated).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, very few studies considered the anteroposterior block distances in relation to the individual body dimensions of the athlete [11,20,22]. A study conducted by Dickinson [20] stated that the distance of the front block from the starting line should depend on the height of the individual, and the distance of the rear block from the starting line on the leg and the thigh lengths, irrespective of the type of the start used (bunched, medium, elongated). Henry [22] investigated if the optimum block spacing is related to the individual leg length by analyzing the interaction between four experimental inter-block distances (27.9, 40.6, 53.3 and 66.0 cm) and the individual’s leg length.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Anthropometry-driven block setting improves starting block performance in sprinters

Cavedon

Sandri

Pirlo³

et al. 2019

PLoS ONE

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This study tested the effect of two block setting conditions i.e., the usual block setting [US] and an anthropometry-driven block setting [AS] on the kinematic and kinetic parameters of the sprint start. Furthermore, we verified whether this effect is influenced by the relative lengths of the sprinter’s trunk and lower limbs i.e., the Cormic Index by subdividing sprinters into brachycormic, metricormic and macrocormic groups. Forty-two sprinters performed 6 maximal-effort 10 m sprints using the US and AS conditions. Dynamometric starting blocks measured forces generated by the sprinters. The times at 5 m and 10 m in the sprint trials were measured with photocells. Results showed that the anteroposterior block distances were significantly different between the two conditions (P<0.001). Across the sample, the horizontal block velocity, the rear peak force, the rear force impulse, the total force impulse, the horizontal block power, the ratio of horizontal to resultant impulse in the rear block, the first and second step lengths and the times at 5 m and 10 m improved in AS vs. US (P values from 0.05 to 0.001). Considering the interaction between the block setting condition and the Cormic Index, the rear peak force and the rear force impulse were significantly increased in the metricormic and brachycormic groups (P≤0.001) and the metricormic group (P<0.001), respectively. Kinetic variables in the rear block and the difference (Delta) in the front block/starting line distance between US and AS were related with each other (Adjusted R 2 values from 0.07 to 0.36). In conclusion, AS was associated with improvement in the kinematic and kinetic parameters of the sprint start performance vs. US; however, AS is apparently best suited for metricormic sprinters. Further work is needed to verify how the sprint start kinetic and kinematic parameters are related to the front block/starting line distance and whether a block setting driven by the sprinter’s Cormic Index is able to improve sprint start performance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Anthropometry-driven block setting improves starting block performance in sprinters

Cavedon

Sandri

Pirlo³

et al. 2019

PLoS ONE

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“…The average time (including reaction time) required to clear both the forward and the rear foot from starting blocks spaced 18 inches or more apart has been reported as only .33 sec. in one study (3) and .50 sec. in another (5).…”

Section: Critical Reviewmentioning

confidence: 98%

Quickness of Reaction and Movement Related to Rhythmicity or Nonrhythmicity of Signal Presentation

Wilson

1959

Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical E

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

2019

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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.

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The Effect of Foot Spacing on the Starting Time and Speed in Sprinting and the Relation of Physical Measurements to Foot Spacing

Cited by 11 publications

References 0 publications

Anthropometry-driven block setting improves starting block performance in sprinters

Anthropometry-driven block setting improves starting block performance in sprinters

Quickness of Reaction and Movement Related to Rhythmicity or Nonrhythmicity of Signal Presentation

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

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