Sprint Running Performance and Technique Changes in Athletes During Periodized Training: An Elite Training Group Case...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Sprint performance relies on complex biomechanical factors.
• Training periodization is crucial for optimizing athletic development in sprinters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of training periodization on sprint performance.
• To analyze changes in key step characteristics (velocity, length, frequency) during an extended training period.

Main Methods:

• Four elite sprinters were monitored over five months of training.
• Video analysis captured maximum velocity phase sprints to measure step characteristics.
• Repeated-measures ANOVA and bootstrapped means were used for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Step frequency and velocity changes were closely linked throughout training.
• A large effect size in step velocity changes was often accompanied by similar changes in step frequency.
• Step length remained consistent, while step velocity and frequency decreased during high-volume training and increased during high-intensity phases.

Conclusions:

• Step frequency is a more critical determinant of sprint performance changes than step length over a training year.
• Coaches and athletes should consider the timing and magnitude of these changes relative to the training program.
• Neuromuscular adaptations, including force production and rate of force development, likely underpin these performance changes.