A KINEMATIC COMPARISON OF JORDANIAN SPRINTERS IN RELATION TO LEG STRENGTH AND LENGTH

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematic parameters with regard of their leg strength and length in performing 100m. dash. A twenty four sprinters were filmed by Sony - Video of 25 image/second from a perpendicular position to the sagittal plane of the 100m. sprinting execution. A group "a" were specialised in running (100 - 200 m), while a group "B" consists of (400 m) sprinters; of which each group consists of twelve sprinters. The distance of the 100 m was divided into four phases for the sake of the analysis and comparisons. Results indicate that in both groups, there was a significant difference in stride length and frequency in all phases of the 100 m except the fourth phase. It is also indicated that there is a linear correlation between limbs length and stride length. In addition, there was a parabolic relationship between limbs length and stride frequency. For both groups, it was indicated that there was no correlation between strength of lower extremities and stride length and frequency. Therefore it was concluded that the sprinters lack legs muscular strength. Thus, it was suggested to increase muscular strength training in their routine in order to improve their performance.