The Effects of Rhythmic Running on the Running Movement in Middle Grade Elementary School Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rhythmic running on the running movement in elementary school students. The subjects in this study were 3rd grade elementary students and they practiced with pair of rings instead of hurdles in physical education classes. The running movement in 10 students who are the top 10 of 21students in order of improving the record in the 50 m dash after 8 times classes (pre 10.4±0.3 s post 10.0±0.2 s; p<0.01) were analyzed kinematically.

The main results comparing pre class and post class were as follow: ①the records in the 50 m dash of students improved significantly, although the velocity of the center of the gravity (COG) didn’t improve in the analysis period. ②The left knee of swing leg was more bent and the left thigh of swing leg was higher in the stance phase after the classes. These changes were similar to the characteristics found in elementary school students who show high sprint performance. ③The touchdown distance of the stance leg was closer to under their COG and the knee of the stance leg was less bent in the stance phase after the classes. These changes implied that factors of speed deceleration had become less.

Thus, there is a possibility that the rhythmic running of this study had a positive effect on the running movement in the 3rd grade elementary school students.