UNDERSTANDING ELITE SPRINT START PERFORMANCE THROUGH AN ANALYSIS OF JOINT KINEMATICS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how leg kinematics contribute to the performance, in terms of external horizontal power production, of three elite sprinters during the block and first step phases of a sprint. The highest block phase power was produced by sprinter B, who exhibited the greatest hip extension, particularly at the rear leg. Sprinter A achieved a higher horizontal block exit velocity, however, this appeared to be due to a longer push duration rather than greater average force production. The highest horizontal power during the first stance was again produced by sprinter B, who exhibited the greatest total stance leg joint extension. The other two sprinters exhibited similar leg extension to each other. However, sprinter A was able to generate greater horizontal power, which may have been due to his centre of mass being further in front of his foot at touchdown.