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Article
Influence of Towing Force Magnitude on the Kinematics of Supramaximal Sprinting
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
  • David A. Clark, Boise State University
  • Seth Kuhlman, Boise State University
  • Michelle B. Sabick, Boise State University
  • Ronald P. Pfeiffer, Boise State University
  • Nicole A. Knigge, Boise State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2009
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318194df84
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of towing force magnitude on the kinematics of supramaximal sprinting. Ten high school and collegiate aged track and field athletes ran 60m maximal sprints under 5 different conditions: non-towed (NT), Tow A (2.0% body weight), Tow B (2.8%BW), Tow C (3.8%BW), and Tow D (4.7%BW). Three-dimensional kinematics of a 4-segment model of the right side of the body were collected starting at the 35m point of the trial. Significant differences were observed in stride length (SL) and horizontal velocity of the center of mass (VH) during Tow C and Tow D. For Tow D, a significant increase in the distance from the center of mass to the foot at touchdown (DH) was also observed. Contact time (CT) decreased significantly in all towing conditions, while stride rate (SR) increased slightly (< 2.0%) under towed conditions. There were no significant changes in joint or segment angles at touchdown, with the exception of a significant decrease in the flexion/extension angle at the hip during the Tow D condition. We concluded that towing force magnitude does influence the kinematics of supramaximal running. Furthermore, we suggest that coaches and practitioners adjust towing force magnitude for each individual and avoid using towing forces in excess of 3.8%BW.

Copyright Statement

This is an author-produced, peer-reviewed version of this article. The final, definitive version of this document can be found online on the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research published by Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. Copyright restrictions may apply. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e318194df84

Citation Information
David A. Clark, Seth Kuhlman, Michelle B. Sabick, Ronald P. Pfeiffer, et al.. "Influence of Towing Force Magnitude on the Kinematics of Supramaximal Sprinting" Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michelle_sabick/1/