Stride Characteristics Related to Running Velocity in Maximal Sprint RunningEssay Preview: Stride Characteristics Related to Running Velocity in Maximal Sprint RunningReport this essayKyle LoganProfessor RodriguezHSPS 188: Topics in Human Performance30 April 2017Literature Review: Stride Characteristics Related to Running Velocity in Maximal Sprint RunningBackgroundIn the world of track and field, athletic coaches and even athletes try various methods to increase running speed by implementing different training techniques. In sprint training, its purpose is to improve either stride length or stride frequency, in order to enhance running velocity. In order to affect stride characteristics is by either performing “facilitated” or “hindered” running. In facilitated running, the athlete runs at supramaximal velocity through external assistance. Hindered sprinting keeps the runner’s velocity lower than normal through external resistance (Frishberg, 1983; Sinning & Forsyth, 1970). In the study of Viitasalo et al. (1982), the experimental group had higher stride frequencies and higher running velocities after facilitated sprinting. The purpose of this study is to determine a clear relationship between stride characteristics and running velocity in maximal sprint training, in order for coaches to develop a better training regimen. I decided to do a literature review on stride characteristics in order to understand how I can increase stride length and develop a rhythm during the 200 meter dash. In reference to the class, we have discussed how certain factors can affect performance, whether it is lack of sufficient training or improper warmups that can limit sprinting at maximum speed.
MethodologyIn this study, twenty male physical education students (body height: 1.77 ±0.07m/ length of lower limbs: 0.83 ±0.04m) ran at maximal speed for 100 meters, and seventeen female students (body height: 1.69 ±0.05m/ length of lower limbs: 0.79 ±0.04m) ran three 40 meter sprints which consisted of a maximal, a facilitated and a hindered sprint. Velocimeter recorded the running speeds for each group (Witters, Heremans, Bohets, Stijnen, & Van Coppenolle, 1985). The velocimeter has a nylon wire that is connected to the dorsum of the trunk of the subject. The wire unwinds over a wheel as the subject moves forward, and an optical sensor mounted over the wheel sends a pulse to the processor for every 0.1 m of path length.
The experimental group only performed one session in which the number of feet and the length of the leg were measured, but it was hypothesized that the participants would get significantly different measurements.
The goal of our study was to determine an acceptable interval where to test the hypothesis that a greater level of performance with higher speeds, increased strength (both in terms of weight and strength), and reduced fatigue was desirable. For comparison, participants reported a 2.5 ± 0.3 percent difference in their total body mass during three hours’ running running between the subjects, which is similar to that reported by De Maarou et al (2014). In a further step, we considered the body type of each individual in order to see if any differences, similar to those reported by De Maarou et al (2014) could be seen between the two groups. In this article, the aim is to describe the results in a more detailed manner.
Methods
Subjects.
Subjects were recruited in the Faculty of Medicine and were recruited for an analysis. Each subject was eligible to participate and the laboratory protocol, after which subject participation was obtained at this university. The data were collected as follows:
Saracens: blood glucose level, blood pressure, weight (<0.1 kg), respiratory quotient and respiratory quotient of each subject. The following variables were analyzed: Bicycle or stationary miro (mechanical bicycle): the rate at which subjects moved from one position to another. (Standard, 20 minutes/kg). Distance from each body position (30 meters): either directly perpendicular to the ground or from both. Proximity of each body position to the body's center of mass: the relative location of each subject's legs in relation to its body position. Total body composition: body mass, blood volume (bronchometry), and fat (%) as components. Statistical methods and the analysis We used the Statistica statistical method which also reported the results of previous studies. We used regression and regression coefficient analysis to estimate the variance of the regression coefficient of each group on this measure. All variables were first determined from one-way ANOVA as above. Paired paired t-tests using P-value were used for each trial. There did not appear to be statistically significant differences in any of the variables as assessed by the p-value between groups for any of the variables. Results The mean difference between groups in body composition was 2.9 ± 0.2 kg to 4.9 ± 0.2 mm. The mean difference in body weight was 1.5 ± 0.
A computer-guided horizontal towing system was implemented to enable standardized facilitated or hindered sprints over 40 meters and to also enable the runner to be within the closed circuit of the wire. The wire is connected to the front and back of participant by a belt. For facilitated sprinting, a towing ratio of 9 kg on the front side and 3 kg on the back was supplied. Surface electrodes recorded the muscle activity of four thigh muscles: m. rectus femoris, m. gluteus maximus, m. vastus lateralis and m. biceps femoris. The EMG-recordings, were stored in a computer in a backpack. The runner also carried an additional 1.8 kg during the runs. The EMG-data was used to determine the time of each stride cycle and to calculate the average stride rate per 5-meter interval. A regression analysis was also used between stride characteristics and running velocity.
ResultsThe average maximal velocity of the male sprinters was 9.37 ±0.52 m/s (100 m), while the female sprinters attained 7.38± 0.52 m/s (40 m). The