Stride Characteristics Related to Running Velocity in Maximal Sprint Running

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linear regression analysis ((V=0.79+(3.89*SL)), determined the relationship between stride length (SL) and running velocity (RV), in male 100 meter sprints. Almost 85 % of variance in running speed can be explained by variance in stride length. The variance in stride rate explains less than 20% of variance in running speed and this is confirmed from the analysis ((V= 0.53 +(3.71*SL)), of the 40 meter sprint group in females. Also, 80% of variance in running velocity is explained by variance in stride length, while only 20% of the variance is explained by stride rate (SR). A clear linear relationship was found between SL and RV. There was no correlation between SR and RV.

The resulting maximum speed for the facilitated test condition was 115% of the normal maximum velocity. The maximum velocity for the hindered test condition equaled 88.1%. Percentage changes in stride length for the facilitated and hindered run are much greater then percentage changes in stride frequency. The 115% facilitated sprinting velocity of the maximal velocity was not a result of changes in stride pattern, which lead to an unalteration of the running velocity value.

Discussion

These results are contrary to previous literature that stated that increase in stride length drops with higher running velocities (Williams, 1985; Bosco, Vittori, 1986), while stride rate becomes the performance determining factor. However, this study analyzed pure sprint performance, instead of increasing speed tempo, from jogging to maximum sprint, which could have affected results. In all-out sprinting, the stride rate reached it’s maximum in the second 5 meter interval, which due to different running speeds may have affected stride length. Stride length may be responsible for changes in running velocity between maximal and supramaximal or submaximal sprint running. The relation between stride length and running speed did not change significantly. In sprint running, stride rate seems to reach its maximum after a few steps, while stride length increases over a longer distance, being a key-factor in developing high running velocities.

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