Gender and event specificity differences in kinematical parameters of a 60 m hurdles race

The Relationship between Take-Off Parameters and Relative Vertical Momentum of Free Limbs at the Take-Off in Hurdle Clearance

This study aimed to clarify the kinetics of the relative vertical momentum to the proximal joint of each free limb and their contribution to the increase in the centre of mass height at the take-off of hurdle clearance, as well as their relationship with take-off variables. Thirteen male hurdlers cleared one hurdle at the height of their centre of mass, and their attempts were filmed using six high-speed cameras. The hurdle height was 96.54 ± 2.63 cm (55.35 ± 0.29% of body height). The approach distance was set at 15 m and adjusted by each hurdler in the range of 10-50 cm so as not to involve any noticeable step length adjustment before the take-off. The combined free limb relative vertical momentum tended to increase until mid-support and was maintained until the toe off. The smaller the whole-body vertical momentum at the toe off and the increase in relative vertical momentum of the lead leg during the take-off, the higher the take-off velocity, the shorter the support time, and the smaller the deceleration. The higher the relative vertical momentum of the forward swing arm during touchdown and the smaller the relative vertical momentum increase of the combined free limb and the forward swing arm during the take-off, the smaller the deceleration. In conclusion, hurdlers should reduce the increase in whole-body vertical momentum at the take-off by suppressing the increase in relative vertical momentum of the lead leg and the forward swing arm.

Evolution of the Hurdle-Unit Kinematic Parameters in the 60 m Indoor Hurdle Race

The aims of this study were to compare the five hurdle-unit split times from the deterministic model with the hurdle-to-hurdle model and with the official time, to compare the step kinematics of each hurdle-unit intervals, and to relate these variables to their respective hurdle-unit split times. The temporal and spatial parameters of the 60 m hurdles race were calculated during the 44th Spanish and 12th IAAF World Indoor Championships (men: n = 59; women: n = 51). The hurdle-unit split times from the deterministic model showed a high correlation (r = 0.99; p < 0.001) with the split times of the hurdle-to-hurdle model and faster split times were related to shorter step and flight times in hurdle steps for both genders. At the first hurdle, male athletes tended to increase their flight and contact times while the tendency of female athletes was to decrease their contact and flight times. In addition, at the first hurdle, both genders presented shorter take-off distance, shorter landing distance, and greater step width than in the remaining hurdles of the race. Therefore, coaches should implement training programs that have an impact on these key variables according to the specific demands of each hurdle-unit phase and gender.