Somatic and Fitness Endowment of Sprinting Stride in the Context of Developmental Changes and Diverse Sport Activities

The aim of the study was to evaluate somatic and fitness variables determining sprinting strides in the context of developmental changes and diverse sport activities. Additionally, the changes of sprinting stride variables were observed in three periods of an annual training cycle of the best Polish sprinters. The research material consisted of four groups: first year female and male students of Physical Education in Katowice, sprinters from the Polish National Team, 10 – 11 year old boys and girls from a Primary School, 10 – 11 year old children attending track and field training sessions six times a week. Stride variables were measured on the basis of a 30 m run (for children) or 100 m run (students and athletes) with the use of a cinematographical method. Somatic evaluations were done on the basis of chosen anthropometrical variables, with the use of standard research procedures and devices. In the group of students four field tests were carried out: the 100 m and 400 m run, 4 kg shot throw backwards and standing triple jump. The analysis revealed that both variables of a sprinting stride changed according to the velocity of the race. Stride frequency of high level sprinters differed in successive periods of preparation, while stride length was similar. Sprinting stride variables of students depended on the length of their lower limbs. The length of the running stride was determined by the level of explosive strength of the lower and upper limbs and anaerobic endurance, while stride frequency depended only on the level of anaerobic endurance.