Content area
Abstract
A new physical model of all-out sprinting is presented. The first models for the applied forces in the block, drive and maintenance phases, as well as for braking forces, are proposed and are based on experimental observations. The applied forces and the aerodynamic drag forces along with the speed and position of the sprinter are calculated by the model as functions of time. The model's unknown parameters are physically relevant and are quantitatively comparable to quantities measured experimentally. A novel mathematical method, not based on curve fitting, is proposed along with the model which requires two observable quantities, time of first step and start of maintenance phase, and four time splits. The model was validated by modeling several elite sprints from available split data, as well as measured splits for non-elite sprinters, over 100m and 200m distances. Excellent agreement between the split times and the simulated times was obtained and the model was shown to accurately predict 100m times from 60m splits for non-elite runners and 200m times from 100m splits for elite sprinters. The model was also applied to the study of wind and altitude effects for elite sprinters in 100 and 200m sprints. The model presented in this paper may also be useful as a coaching tool for non-elite sprinters by enabling comparisons with elite sprinters, the identification of weaknesses (comparing phases, braking coefficient) and by allowing predictions of 100m times based on 60m (indoor) performances and 200m times based on 100m splits.