Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters of the Sprint Start and Start Acceleration Model of Top Sprinters

The purpose of the research was to find the most important kinematic and kinetic parameters of the set position and starting action and their correlation with the start acceleration. The subject sample comprised of thirteen male sprinters and eleven female sprinters. A 2D kinematic analysis video system (APAS) was used to register the kinematic start and start acceleration parameters. The kinetic parameters of the starting action were measured with the help of modified starting blocks (MMIP) with in-built measurement sensors. The time parameters of the start acceleration were measured by four pairs of photo cells (AMES) placed at 5–10–20–30 m from the starting line. The statistical analysis was performed with the statistical package SPSS. The efficiency of the sprint start for both sexes is generated by: horizontal start velocity of the C. G., starting reaction time, force impulse and the maximal force gradient on the front starting block. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the genders are predominantly in the area of kinetic parameters of the starting action. The highest correlations with the start acceleration for male sprinters has the kinetic parameters block of the starting action – maximal and relative force of pressure, maximal force gradient, force impulse and time to maximal force; among the kinematic parameters horizontal start velocity of the C. G. and the ankle angle in the front starting block. Female sprinters have much lower correlations, only two significant coefficients were obtained – time to maximal force on the front and rear starting block. The generally low correlations between the start and the start acceleration, especially in the first five metres from the start are the consequence of the differences in the biomechanical motor structure.