Age-Related Differences in Spatiotemporal Variables and Ground Reaction Forces During Sprinting in Boys
Ryu Nagahara1, Yohei Takai1, Miki Haramura1
11 National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya.
Insights
Sprinting performance in boys shows a slower development phase between 8.8 and 12.1 years, with constant propulsive force and lower step frequency. Rapid gains occur before and after this period due to increased propulsive forces.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Pediatric Sports Science
Background:
- Understanding age-related changes in athletic performance is crucial for optimizing training and development.
- Sprinting is a complex skill influenced by numerous biomechanical factors that evolve throughout childhood and adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in spatiotemporal variables and ground reaction forces during sprinting in boys.
- To identify specific developmental phases in sprinting ability across a wide age range.
Main Methods:
- Recorded ground reaction force (GRF) signals during 50-m sprints in 99 boys aged 6.5 to 15.4 years.
- Calculated step-to-step spatiotemporal variables and mean forces from GRF data.
Main Results:
- A slower rate of sprinting performance development was observed between 8.8 and 12.1 years.
- During this period, mean propulsive force remained constant, and step frequency decreased.
- Sprint performance increased rapidly in boys younger than 8.8 and older than 12.1 years, correlating with increased propulsive forces.
Conclusions:
- A distinct developmental plateau in sprinting ability exists from 8.8 to 12.1 years, characterized by stable propulsive force and reduced step frequency.
- Enhanced propulsive forces in the initial acceleration, middle acceleration, and maximal speed phases likely drive rapid sprinting development before and after this plateau.
Purpose:
We aimed to elucidate age-related differences in spatiotemporal and ground reaction force variables during sprinting in boys over a broad range of chronological ages.
Methods:
Ground reaction force signals during 50-m sprinting were recorded in 99 boys aged 6.5-15.4 years. Step-to-step spatiotemporal variables and mean forces were then calculated.
Results:
There was a slower rate of development in sprinting performance in the age span from 8.8 to 12.1 years compared with younger and older boys. During that age span, mean propulsive force was almost constant, and step frequency for older boys was lower regardless of sprinting phase. During the ages younger than 8.8 years and older than 12.1 years, sprint performance rapidly increased with increasing mean propulsive forces during the middle acceleration and maximal speed phases and during the initial acceleration phase.
Conclusion:
There was a stage of temporal slower development of sprinting ability from age 8.8 to 12.1 years, being characterized by unchanged propulsive force and decreased step frequency. Moreover, increasing propulsive forces during the middle acceleration and maximal speed phases and during the initial acceleration phase are probably responsible for the rapid development of sprinting ability before and after the period of temporal slower development of sprinting ability.
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