(33) ASSOCIATION BETWEEN STEP LENGTH, FLIGHT TIME, CONTACT TIME AND ISOMETRIC MID-THIGH PULL ASYMMETRY

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between step length, flight time and contact time asymmetry in a 30-meter fly sprint and peak force asymmetry in the IMTP. Methods: A group of 15 collegiate track athletes (males =5, females=10) who compete in either sprinting, jumping, or hurdle events performed a 30 m fly sprint and the IMTP. Each athlete performed one to two trials of sprints with step kinematics, contact time and flight time measured using photoelectric cells. Athletes also performed two to three trials of the IMTP using a force platform under each foot. Interlimb asymmetries were quantified for step length, flight time, contact time and IMTP peak force measures using the following equation: (higher value – lower value)/total*100. A Spearman’s (r) correlation coefficient was conducted to examine the association between step length, flight time, contact time and IMTP peak force asymmetries. Results: There was no significant correlation between step length and IMTP asymmetries (r = 0.007, p = 0.985), step and contact time asymmetry (r = 0.500, p = 0.060), step length and flight time asymmetry (r = 0.489, p = 0.067), IMTP and contact time asymmetry (r = 0.404, p = 0.137), IMTP and flight time asymmetry (r = 0.314, p = 0.254), and contact time and flight time asymmetry (r = 0.629, p = 0.014). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that there is no significant association between step length, flight time, contact time and IMTP asymmetry. This suggests that asymmetries in sprint-specific kinematics and maximal strength via the IMTP are independent factors. Practical Applications: Coaches should test and train sprint mechanics and strength imbalances separately, as these metrics may be reflected independently in athletic performance. Acknowledgements: None