A cinematographic analysis of the crouch start as performed by a woman sprinter

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Karen Ruth Dix (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Frank Pleasants

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare mechanical differences in the execution of the fastest and slowest of twelve crouch starts at a five yard distance as they were executed by a woman sprinter. After viewing the filmed starts, the fastest and slowest starts were determined by counting the number of frames required for each start. Angle measurements of the elbows, knees, legs at the hip, head at the trunk, and the trunk with the horizontal were obtained and the average angular velocities were computed for every third frame at each of the angles. The two starts were analyzed to determine similarities and differences in execution. The two starts were compared to determine similarities and differences which may have contributed to the one start being faster than the other. The analysis revealed a high head position in the slowest start as compared with the fastest sequence in which the head was kept low and in line with the trunk. The runner maintained a lower body position after the first stride in the fastest start and moved into this position sooner. The body position in the slowest sequence was more upright throughout the run and paralleled the high head position.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1971

Email this document to