KINEMATIC, KINETIC AND ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPRINTING STRIDE OF TOP FEMALE SPRINTERS

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find those kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic parameters of the sprinting stride that most affect maximal velocity of top female sprinters. A 20 m flying start test was made with a sample of four female sprinters of the Slovene National team. In addition to maximal velocity, nine kinetic parameters in the contact phase of the sprinting stride were measured. It was found that the most important generators of maximal velocity are: duration of contact phase, duration of braking phase, minimal braking impulse, maximal impulse in propulsion phase, preserving maximal horizontal velocity of CG in braking phase and maximal grabbing velocity of the foot in the forward contact phase. In light of the EMG activation, m. biceps femoris is one of the most important muscles in the sprint.