Pedagogy of Physical Culture and Sports (Aug 2024)

An analysis of sprint kinematics: the effects of step distance, contact and flight time on sprint performance

  • Gökhan Deliceoğlu,
  • Erdal Arı,
  • Erkan Tortu,
  • Ali Keleş

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2024.0402
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 28, no. 4
pp. 256 – 265

Abstract

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Background and Study Aim. Sprinting performance is crucial in many sports, and even marginal improvements in sprint mechanics can provide significant competitive advantages. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of step distance, contact time, and flight time on sprint speed. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 26 athletes (20 males and 6 females). Body composition was measured using a bioimpedance analysis device. Sprint kinematics (step distance, contact time, and flight time) and sprint speed parameters were assessed using an optical measurement system during a 30-meter sprint test. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine the effects of sprint kinematic parameters on sprint speed, as well as the effects of body composition parameters on sprint kinematics and speed. The linear regression models included one dependent variable and three independent variables. Results. Linear regression analysis revealed that step distance, contact time, and flight time were significant predictors of sprint speed, with the exception of the first step of sprint running (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the effects of body composition parameters (age, body weight, and height) on sprint kinematics and speed were found to be significant (p < 0.05). The proportions of variance explained by body composition parameters were highest for step distance and sprint speed, with R2 values of 0.719 and 0.686, respectively. Conclusions. This study confirms that step distance, contact time, and flight time are significant predictors of sprint speed. Additionally, the results underscore the substantial influence of body composition parameters such as age, body weight, and height on sprint kinematics and speed. These findings highlight the importance of considering both kinematic and physiological factors in the training and development of athletes for optimized sprint performance.

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