STUDIES REGARDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORMAL SPRINTING AND RUNNING OVER FLAT MARKERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the difference between normal sprinting (NS) and running over flat markers (FMR). Eleven male collegiate sprinters participated in this study as subjects. The subjects initially ran 50m normally, then over some markers set up on the runway, and finally they ran 50m normally again. The leg motion of the three runs were compared by two-dimensional motion analysis. FMR showed a significant increase in stride frequency, but leg motion showed no significant differences. However, there were subjects whose leg motion showed smaller hip and knee angle and angular velocity during contact phase. The results suggested that the second sprint was influenced by FMR. FMR may be a good tool for sprinting improvement to obtain a higher stride frequency.