Sprinting: 10 Research Articles for Effective Sprint Training [Part 13]

Click here for all the previous Sprint Reviews 

Paul Hoffman has read and researched several research papers on sprinting and performance articles, so you don’t have to.  If any of these articles interest you, feel free to research the case studies and methodology and come up with your own conclusions.

1. Biomechanical Model of the Sprint Start 

Milan Coh, Slovenia.

Highly technical article on block mechanics.

The study showed the following were the key performance factors in the two phases of sprint running:

• medium start block distance,
• block velocity,
• low block face angles,
• first step length,
• low vertical rise in the TBCG in the first three metres of block acceleration,
• contact phase/flight phase index in the first ten steps and the optimal ratio between the length and frequency of steps.

2. Building Multi-Directional Strength and Power

Eric Cressey (from Bretcontreras.com)

Very good thorough article with nice video demos.

3. Model for Assessment of the Velocity and Force at the Start of Sprint Race.

Nataša J. Janji?. Journal of Sports Sciences. March 2016

Data could be of importance for practitioners to identify possible weaknesses and refine training methods for sprinters and other athletes whose performance depend on rapid movement initiations.

4. The Kinematic Differences of Three Types of Crouched Positions During a Sprint Start

Yo Chen, Taiwan University, April 2016.

This study concluded that the medium starting position was the ideal starting position.

5. Interaction of Knee Kinematics During Sprint Running

K.Kathirvel Pandian Sports Trainer, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India. 2016.

Concluded:

1. Sprint performance was depends upon the knee flexion and knee extension at foot strike.
2. Negative association between angle of knee flexion and knee extension at 30 and 80 meters of 100m race.
3. Positive association between angle of knee flexion at foot strike and sprint performance
4. Negative association between angle of knee extension at foot strike at 80m of 100m race and sprint performance.
5. The results of this study may help the coaches and teachers to understand the knee kinematics during the 100 meters run.

6. Are You Treating Your Mitochondria Well?

Lucas Salmins. April 2016. http://primaleye.uk/treating-your-mitochondria-well/. 

Very interesting web article on mitochondria (and no mention of eating raw Kale)

7. Why does eccentric training help prevent muscle strains?

Chris Beardsley, S&C Research.

http://www.strengthandconditioningresearch.com/perspectives/eccentric-training-muscle-strains/

Another excellent web article.

8. Do you actually need to time your rest periods?

another great article from S&C Research.

https://www.strengthandconditioningresearch.com/promotions/time-rest-periods/

Concludes that it may be unnecessary.

9. Blood Lactate Levels and the Effects of Recovery Methods on Repeated Sprint Performance.

Todora, J.  Shippensburg University. PA.

The results of this study do not support an advantage for blood lactate clearance or an impact on 200 m sprint performance time between the three recovery modalities.

10. Sprint-based Exercise and Cognitive Function in Adolescents.

Simon B. Cooper. Preventive Medicine Reports, Science Direct, June 2016.

The main finding of the present study was that sprint-based exercise enhanced the speed of executive function (as assessed by response times on the Stroop test) both immediately post-exercise and following a 45 min delay, while accuracy was maintained.