Scientific researches of sprint running : In search of Scientific bases for coaching

Abstract

As sprint running is such a basic movement for humans, it has been frequently used in research. Modern research on sprint running started in the early 1920s, and the neurological and muscular functions associated with sprint running and instinctive movements were the first to be investigated (Mero, 1992). Many studies have been conducted on improving the ability of humans to run sprint races, but as one problem has been solved, others have been raised. As a result, many issues remain to be addressed. These can be broadly categorized as : (1) mechanical efficiency in sprint running, (2) joint torque and power in sprint running, (3) muscular activity in sprint running, (4) the relationship between muscular activity and sprint running movements, (5) 100 m race patterns based on time analyses, and (6) the relationship between sprint running movements and speed. The results of studies on areas 1-3 are important for improving sprint running ability. Basically, understanding the physiological functions involved in sprinting helps to clarify the associated technical and physical factors. The results of studies on areas 4-6 provide useful information for coaches and athletes. As the level of competition is very high, effective utilization of scientific data can be the key to the success of an athlete. The present review concludes that the relationship between mechanical efficiency and sprint running cannot yet be clarified because there are no standardized methods for estimating mechanical work, and it is difficult to estimate anaerobic energy consumption during sprint running. In view of the fact that the degree of reutilization of elastic energy clearly influences mechanical efficiency, elastic energy makes less of a contribution to sprint running than it does to sub-maximal running. Muscular activity is predominantly assessed using the electromyography, but to ascertain the effects of muscular activity on sprint running, it is necessary to determine changes in the length of muscle-tendon complexes and joint torque. Baba et al. (2000) solved many of these problems and the organized complex factors involved in sprint running. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to ascertain the relationships between sprint running movement and speed based on movement analyses of numerous athletes during competitions. These studies have identified characteristic movements in good sprinters and their significance. It appears tha almost no correlation exists between sprint running speed and leg movement during the recovery phase, although a significant correlation between leg movement during the foot contact phase and sprint running speed has been identified. This type of information is extremely useful for coaches and sprinters.