Association of Step Width with Accelerated Sprinting Performance and Ground Reaction Force

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Athletic Performance

Background:

• Understanding sprint biomechanics is key to improving athletic performance.
• Step width (SW) is a critical spatiotemporal variable in sprinting.
• The relationship between SW, performance, and ground reaction forces during acceleration requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize changes in step width (SW) during the acceleration phase of sprinting.
• To investigate the correlation between SW, sprinting speed, and ground reaction forces.
• To elucidate the role of SW in generating mediolateral body velocity.

Main Methods:

• 17 male athletes completed maximal 60m sprints.
• Spatiotemporal variables, including SW, were measured over 52m.
• Ground reaction impulses were analyzed in conjunction with SW during acceleration phases.

Main Results:

• SW decreased rapidly in the initial steps, then slowed, exhibiting a bilinear profile.
• A higher SW-to-stature ratio correlated significantly with higher running speeds.
• Wider SW was associated with increased medial and mediolateral impulses, and decreased lateral impulses.

Conclusions:

• A wider step width is important for optimizing sprinting performance, particularly between the 9th-12th steps.
• Increased SW positively influences ground reaction forces, contributing to greater mediolateral velocity.
• These findings highlight the biomechanical significance of step width in sprint acceleration.