Kinematic comparison of support and swing techniques between elite and sub-elite athletes during the 30-m acceleration of sprint running

The support and swing techniques of accelerative sprint were compared at different acceleration phases between different athlete groups using high-speed photography. Performance distinction between elite and sub-elite athletes (n = 16) was measured at steps 3, 4, 8, and 9 during a 30-m sprint run. The integral kinematic parameters of hip and knee joints were then compared between the groups. The results indicated that, in elite athletes, integral kinematic parameters such as larger step length, lower step frequency, shorter support time, and longer support distance resulted in larger horizontal velocity of the centre of gravity during the acceleration phase. However, as distance increased, this horizontal velocity increased with step length, support distance, and support time. For various kinematic parameters, the superior performance of elite athletes was mainly based on larger hip angle range and smaller knee angle of touch down. Hip angle of touchdown and toe-off of the supporting leg were important for sub-elite athletes, but training knee angle of touchdown was more suitable for improving performance in elite athletes. The present study provided theoretical reference for beginners and coaches of accelerative running technique.