Simone Ciacci

Kinematic analysis of the braking and propulsion phases during the support time in sprint running

The contact time (CT) and the ratio between the duration of braking (BP) and propulsion phase (PP) during the support are two mechanical parameters that are relevant for the performance in sprinting. Several different kinematic methods have been used to estimate the BP-PP transition point, with some disagreements among studies. The purpose of this study was to compare three criteria to individuate that point: the maximum knee flexion (KNEEFLEX), the maximum fall of the COM (COMVERT) and the horizontal COM acceleration (COMHORIZ). It was hypothesized that these three events would take place in different instants, representing different moments of the step cycle. The kinematic analysis was performed through stereophotogrammetry on seven male middle-level sprinters (mean + or - SD height: 180 + or - 5 cm; body mass: 75 + or - 11 kg; personal best on 100 m: 10.96 + or - 0.45 s). The COMVERT expressed as percentage of CT (mean + or - SD 31.73 + or - 8.29%) was on average strongly anticipated compared to both KNEEFLEX (45.07 + or -3.60%, p < 0.01) and COMHORIZ (56.86 + or - 8.56%, p < 0.01). The approximately 12% difference between KNEEFLEX and COMHORIZ was also statistically significant (p < 0.01). The 40-60% relative proportion of BP and PP considered to be optimal in the literature, was reflected in this study only by the KNEEFLEX criterion. Given the importance of BP time as a reference parameter to assess the training status and efficacy of training interventions, it looks necessary both from a scientific and applied perspective to consider a standardized criterion to identify the BP-PP transition point.

Sprint start kinematics during competition in elite and world-class male and female sprinters

ABSTRACT The start kinematics has been reported to differ between male and female sprinters. This study aimed to determine whether kinematic differences between the sexes are attributable to an effect of sex per se, or rather to the absolute performance level of the sprinters, quantified by the 100-m time. A total of 20 sprinters (10 M, 10 F), including world-class and elite athletes, were assessed. Start phases from the “set” position to the first two steps were analysed. Linear regression analyses showed a few significant differences between sexes when taking into account the effect of performance level: M had shorter pushing phase duration, higher horizontal velocity at block clearing, and shorter contact times of the first two steps. Conversely, the performance level affected most of the examined parameters: faster sprinters showed the centre of mass (CM) closer to the ground and a more flexed front knee in the “set” position, longer pushing phase duration, lower vertical velocity of the CM at block clearing, and longer contact times and shorter flight times in the first two steps. These findings suggest that the start kinematics is only partially affected by the sex of sprinters, whereas a bigger role is played by their performance level.