Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance

The main goal of this study was to determine whether the type of spike can influence the final sprint result by comparing step by step the kinematics of four 50-m sprints. Twelve well-trained junior sprinters (ages 17–19) from the Polish National Team (ranging from 100 to 400 m) participated in the...

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Main Authors: Krzysztof Mackala, Michal Krzysztofik, Adrian Weber, Dariusz Mroczek, Adam Zajac
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Sensors
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/1979
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author Krzysztof Mackala
Michal Krzysztofik
Adrian Weber
Dariusz Mroczek
Adam Zajac
author_facet Krzysztof Mackala
Michal Krzysztofik
Adrian Weber
Dariusz Mroczek
Adam Zajac
author_sort Krzysztof Mackala
collection DOAJ
description The main goal of this study was to determine whether the type of spike can influence the final sprint result by comparing step by step the kinematics of four 50-m sprints. Twelve well-trained junior sprinters (ages 17–19) from the Polish National Team (ranging from 100 to 400 m) participated in the study, with personal bests in the 100-m sprint of 10.70 ± 0.19 s. The OptoJump Next-Microgate sensor measurement system (Optojump, Bolzano, Italy) was used to measure the essential kinematic sprinting variables. Following the sprint distance, photocells were placed on the track at the start, at 10 m, at 20 m, at 30 m, and at the finish (50 m). Fifty-meter sprints were completed alternately, two with classic and two with the carbon-plated spikes. For every sprinter, the order in which the spikes were chosen was randomized. To better understand the problem of variability in kinematic parameters, in addition to the actual statistics, the profile analysis process was applied. The analysis of the four 50 m sprints did not show significant differences between the kinematic parameters considering runs in both the classic Nike and carbon-plated Nike ZoomX Flymax spikes. It may be suggested that spikes’ sole bending stiffness may not affect short-distance (up to 50–60 m) sprinting performance. From a practical point of view, training focused on maximum speed development can be carried out with both classic and carbon-plated spikes. Finally, our experiment can guide the preparation of a research methodology that assesses the effect of carbon-plated spikes on prolonged sprinting, e.g., 200–400 m.
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spelling doaj-art-bd250eac44ff46baaea116c0dbaa0a972025-08-20T03:08:56ZengMDPI AGSensors1424-82202025-03-01257197910.3390/s25071979Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity PerformanceKrzysztof Mackala0Michal Krzysztofik1Adrian Weber2Dariusz Mroczek3Adam Zajac4Department of Track and Field, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, al. Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, PolandDepartment of Track and Field, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, al. Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, PolandDepartment of Biological and Motor Bases of Sports, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, al. Ignacego Jana Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wrocław, PolandInstitute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Mikołowska 72A, 40-065 Katowice, PolandThe main goal of this study was to determine whether the type of spike can influence the final sprint result by comparing step by step the kinematics of four 50-m sprints. Twelve well-trained junior sprinters (ages 17–19) from the Polish National Team (ranging from 100 to 400 m) participated in the study, with personal bests in the 100-m sprint of 10.70 ± 0.19 s. The OptoJump Next-Microgate sensor measurement system (Optojump, Bolzano, Italy) was used to measure the essential kinematic sprinting variables. Following the sprint distance, photocells were placed on the track at the start, at 10 m, at 20 m, at 30 m, and at the finish (50 m). Fifty-meter sprints were completed alternately, two with classic and two with the carbon-plated spikes. For every sprinter, the order in which the spikes were chosen was randomized. To better understand the problem of variability in kinematic parameters, in addition to the actual statistics, the profile analysis process was applied. The analysis of the four 50 m sprints did not show significant differences between the kinematic parameters considering runs in both the classic Nike and carbon-plated Nike ZoomX Flymax spikes. It may be suggested that spikes’ sole bending stiffness may not affect short-distance (up to 50–60 m) sprinting performance. From a practical point of view, training focused on maximum speed development can be carried out with both classic and carbon-plated spikes. Finally, our experiment can guide the preparation of a research methodology that assesses the effect of carbon-plated spikes on prolonged sprinting, e.g., 200–400 m.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/1979sprintingkinematicscarbon-plated spikesmaximum speedelastic energy
spellingShingle Krzysztof Mackala
Michal Krzysztofik
Adrian Weber
Dariusz Mroczek
Adam Zajac
Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance
Sensors
sprinting
kinematics
carbon-plated spikes
maximum speed
elastic energy
title Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance
title_full Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance
title_fullStr Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance
title_full_unstemmed Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance
title_short Profile of 50 m Sprinting: The Influence of Carbon-Plated Spikes on Maximum-Velocity Performance
title_sort profile of 50 m sprinting the influence of carbon plated spikes on maximum velocity performance
topic sprinting
kinematics
carbon-plated spikes
maximum speed
elastic energy
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/1979
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