The Role of Step Length and Step Frequency in the 400-meters Hurdles Performance

Running speed represents the optimal balance between stride frequency (SF) and stride length (SL), both crucial determinants of performance. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in performance in the 400-m hurdles (mH) for both men and women. The main purpose of this study was to assess whether SF and SL were significant indicators of performance in the 400 mH. Additionally, the study sought to determine whether the ratio of stride length to stride frequency (SL/SF) could serve as a more effective performance indicator compared to analysing SL and SF separately. A total of 511 individual performances from four major championships (the World Championships Doha 2019 and Oregon 2022, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the Munich 2022 European Championships) were analysed through video during competition. SL showed high to moderate correlations with performance in both sexes, especially in the second half of the race. However, SF did not correlate with final performance and showed only minor differences between groups. Elite athletes demonstrated a higher SL/SF ratio, as well as greater SL, with more pronounced differences in the second half of the race. Coaches should consider using the SL/SF ratio rather than SF alone to enhance its validity as a kinematic variable related to performance. The current top athletes exhibit higher values for SL and the SL/SF ratio, with particular emphasis during the second half of the event.