BILATERAL DIFFERENCES IN STEP CHARACTERISTICS WHEN SPRINTING ON THE STRAIGHT AND BANKED BEND OF AN INDOOR 200 M TRACK

Abstract

Sprinting around a bend is thought to be limited by an athlete’s ability to create force. Bilateral differences in technique in athletes sprinting on an indoor banked 200 m track are not yet fully understood. Four experienced male 400 m runners were studied during sprints on the straight and at the bend apex of lanes one and four. Step time, length, frequency and velocity were calculated using an automatic tracking system operating at 200 Hz. Group mean values were calculated for each contact limb and lane condition. Velocity on the bend compared to the straight decreased in steps from the left (inside) leg to a markedly greater extent (approx. 5%) than in steps from the right (outside) leg (approx. 1%). This may be linked to previously reported differences in force production capacity between inside and outside legs during maximal bend running.