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Updated: May 20, 2026

Influence of Step-Width Manipulation on Running Biomechanics

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Influence of Body Configuration on Kinetics and Multijoint Control Strategies Sprinters Use During the First Step Out

Harper E Stewart¹, Rand R Wilcox², Jill L McNitt-Gray^1,3

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

|May 18, 2026

Summary

Elite sprinters can improve acceleration by optimizing foot placement at initial contact. Placing the foot further behind the center of mass enhances horizontal force and reduces ground contact time for faster starts.

Keywords:

acceleration joint kinetics kinematics sprinting velocity

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Comparison of Kinetic Characteristics of Footwork during Stroke in Table Tennis: Cross-Step and Chasse Step

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Sports Science
Athletic Performance

Background:

Sprint starts require rapid horizontal impulse generation for acceleration.
Understanding body configuration's role in initial sprint steps is crucial for performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To correlate body configuration at initial foot contact with ground reaction forces and multijoint control.
To analyze the mechanics of the first step out of the blocks in elite sprinters.

Main Methods:

Measurement of ground reaction forces and segment kinematics during sprint starts.
Analysis of kinetic and kinematic data during the impact and post-impact phases.
Application of data feedback for on-track coaching.

Main Results:

Foot position behind the center of mass correlated with shorter contact times and greater horizontal forces.
Increased horizontal forces linked to reduced shank angular velocity and faster peak thigh angular velocity.
Net joint moment impulse on the knee increased during the impact phase with rearward foot placement.

Conclusions:

Optimizing foot placement at initial contact is key for enhancing sprint start performance.
Kinematic and kinetic data can inform coaching strategies for improving sprint mechanics.
This research provides actionable insights for elite sprinter training programs.