Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate differences of the spatiotemporal parameters in a 100-m sprint among elite, sub-elite, and non-elite sprinters with a unilateral transtibial amputation. Using publicly available Internet broadcasts, we analyzed 125, 19, and 33 records from 30 elite, 12 sub-elite, and 22 non-elite sprinters, respectively. For each sprinter’s run, the average velocity, step frequency, and step length were calculated using the number of steps in conjunction with the official race time. Average velocity was greatest in elite sprinters (8.71±0.32 m/s), followed by the sub-elite (8.09±0.06 m/s) and non-elite groups (7.72±0.27 m/s). Although there was a significant difference in average step frequency between the three groups, the effect size was small and the relative difference among the three groups was 3.1%. Statistical analysis also revealed that the average step length was longest in elite sprinters, followed by the sub-elite and non-elite groups. These results suggest that the differences in sprint performance between the three groups is mainly due to the average step length rather than step frequency.
Highlights
Because spatiotemporal parameters are modifiable by sprint training sessions [3], identifying factors affecting these parameters of 100-m sprints in unilateral transtibial amputees will provide coaches and practitioners with a basis for better evaluation of sprint performance and aid in the development of more effective training methods for amputee sprinters
V100 was greatest in elite group (EL), followed by SEL and non-elite group (NEL) (P < 0.003 for all comparisons)
Statistical analyses revealed that fstep had a significant effect on the groups (Fig 3; X2(2) = 13.184, P < 0.01), and fstep in EL was significantly higher than SEL (P < 0.016) but not NEL
Summary
Running-specific prostheses (RSPs) with energy storing capabilities have attracted more and more individuals with lower extremity amputations to running as a form of exercise and athletic competition. RSPs have allowed amputee runners to compete at athletic levels achieved never before [1, 2]. The average velocity during a 100-m sprint is the product of the average step frequency and average step length Both parameters are inversely correlated, an increase in one factor will result in an improvement in sprint velocity, as long as the other factor does not undergo a proportionately similar or larger decrease. Because spatiotemporal parameters are modifiable by sprint training sessions [3], identifying factors affecting these parameters of 100-m sprints in unilateral transtibial amputees will provide coaches and practitioners with a basis for better evaluation of sprint performance and aid in the development of more effective training methods for amputee sprinters
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