This study aimed to provide multiple regression equations taking into account differences in running speed, leg length, and step characteristics to predict kinematics of maximal speed sprinting. Seventy-nine male sprinters performed a maximal effort 60-m sprint, during which they were videoed through the section from the 40- to 50-m mark. From the video images, leg kinematic variables were obtained and used as dependent variables for multiple linear regression equation with predictors of running speed, leg length, step frequency, and swing/support ratio. Multiple regression equations to predict leg kinematics of maximal speed sprinting were successfully obtained. For swing leg kinematics, a significant regression model was obtained to predict thigh angle at the contralateral foot strike, maximal knee flexion and thigh lift angular velocities, and maximal leg backward swing velocity (adjusted R² = 0.194–0.378, medium to large effect). For support leg kinematics, a significant regression model was obtained to predict knee flexion and extension angular displacements, maximal knee extension velocity, maximal leg backward swing angular velocity, and the other 13 kinematic variables (adjusted R² = 0.134–0.757, medium to large effect). Based on the results, at a given leg length, faster maximal speed sprinting will be accompanied with greater thigh angle at the contralateral foot strike, greater maximal leg backward swing velocity during the swing phase, and smaller knee extension range during the support phase. Longer-legged sprinters will accomplish the same running speed with a greater thigh angle at contralateral foot strike, greater knee flexion range, and smaller maximal leg backward swing velocity during the support phase. At a given running speed and leg length, higher step frequencies will be achieved with a greater thigh angle at contralateral foot strike and smaller knee flexion and extension ranges during the support phase. At a given running speed, leg length and step frequency, a greater swing/support ratio will be accompanied with a greater thigh angle at contralateral foot strike and smaller knee extension angular displacement and velocity during the support phase. The regression equations obtained in this study will be useful for sprinters when trying to improve their maximal speed sprinting motion.

Purpose:: To test the concurrent validity of data from 2 different global positioning system (GPS) units for obtaining mechanical properties during sprint acceleration using a field method recently validated by Samozino et al.Methods:: Thirty-two athletes performed maximal straight-line sprints, and their running speed was simultaneously measured by GPS units (sampling rate: 20 or 5 Hz) and either a radar or laser device (devices taken as references). Lower-limb mechanical properties of sprint acceleration (theoretical maximal force, theoretical maximal speed, maximal power) were derived from a modeling of the speed–time curves using an exponential function in both measurements. Comparisons of mechanical properties from 20- and 5-Hz GPS units with those from reference devices were performed for 80 and 62 trials, respectively.Results:: The percentage bias showed a wide range of overestimation or underestimation for both systems (-7.9% to 9.7% and -5.1% to 2.9% for 20- and 5-Hz GPS), while the ranges of its 90% confidence limits for 20-Hz GPS were markedly smaller than those for 5-Hz GPS. These results were supported by the correlation analyses.Conclusions:: Overall, the concurrent validity for all variables derived from 20-Hz GPS measurements was better than that obtained from the 5-Hz GPS units. However, in the current state of GPS devices’ accuracy for speed–time measurements over a maximal sprint acceleration, it is recommended that radar, laser devices, and timing gates remain the reference methods for implementing the computations of Samozino et al.

This study aimed to describe changes in step width (SW) during accelerated sprinting, and to clarify the relationship of SW with sprinting performance and ground reaction forces. 17 male athletes performed maximal-effort 60 m sprints. The SW and other spatiotemporal variables, as well as ground reaction impulses, over a 52 m distance were calculated. Average values for each 4 steps during acceleration were calculated to examine relationships among variables in different sections. The SW rapidly decreased up to the 13th step and slightly afterward during accelerated sprinting, showing a bilinear phase profile. The ratio of SW to the stature was significantly correlated with running speed based on average values over the 52 m distance and in the 9th–12th step section during accelerated sprinting. The SW ratio positively correlated with medial, lateral and mediolateral impulses in all step sections, except for medial impulse in the 17th–20th step section. These results indicate the importance of wider SW for better sprinting performance, especially in the 9th–12th step section. Moreover, the wider SW was associated with larger medial impulse and smaller lateral impulse, suggesting that a wide SW contributes to the production of greater mediolateral body velocity during accelerated sprinting.