Fundamentals of Biomechanics

L-10 FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOMECHANICS
LAB ACTIVITY 5A
VELOCITY IN SPRINTING
Linear kinematics in biomechanics is used to create precise descriptions of human motion. It is important
for teachers and coaches to be familiar with many kinematic variables (like speeds, pace, or times) that are
representative of various levels of performance. Most importantly, professionals need to understand that velocity
varies over time, as well as have an intuitive understanding of where peak velocities and accelerations
occur in movement. This lab will focus on your own sprinting data in a 40-meter dash and a worldclass
100-meter sprint performance to examine the relationship between displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
These activities provide the simplest examples of linear kinematics since the body is modeled as a
point mass and motion of the body is measured in one direction that does not change.
BACKGROUND READING
Chapter 5 herein: “Linear and Angular Kinematics”
Haneda, Y., et al. (2003). Changes in running velocity and kinetics of the lower limb joints in the 100m sprint
running. Japanese Journal of Biomechanics in Sports and Exercise, 7, 193-205.
Mero, A., Komi, P. V., & Gregor, R. J. (1992). Biomechanics of sprint running: A review. Sports Medicine, 13,
376–392.
Murase, Y., et al. (1976). Analysis of the changes in progressive speed during the 100-meter dash. In P.V.
Komi (Ed.), Biomechanics V-B (pp 200–207). Baltimore: University Park Press.
TASKS
1. Estimate how fast you can run in mph _____
2. Following a warm-up, perform a maximal 40-meter sprint. Obtain times with four stopwatches for times
at the 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-meter marks.
3. Perform the calculations and answer the questions.
Kinesiology Major Normative Data
Time (s)
Females Males
10 20 30 40 10 20 30 40
Mean 2.3 3.9 5.4 7.0 2.0 3.3 4.6 5.9
sd 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.5
Maurice Greene: 1999 World Championships Seville, Spain
Meters Seconds
0–10 1.86
10–20 1.03
20–30 0.92
30–40 0.88
40–50 0.86
50–60 0.84
60–70 0.85
70–80 0.85
80–90 0.85
90–100 0.86
9.67
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