The relationship between extension of the metatarsophalangeal joint and sprint time for 100 m Olympic athletes

Abstract

Selected kinematic variables of the foot segments and the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint were investigated in relation to sprinting performance among 100 m sprint athletes at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. It was hypothesized that the kinematics of the MTP joint, and forefoot and rearfoot segments, are related to sprint performance for both male and female athletes. Kinematic sagittal plane data were collected using two digital video cameras recording at 120 fields per second. It was determined that faster male sprinters experienced higher maximal rates of MTP extension, and faster female sprinters touch down with higher posterior sole angles and take off with lower posterior sole angles.

Keywords:

• Metatarsophalangeal
• foot
• sprinting
• performance
• kinematics
• elite

Acknowledgements

This study received financial support from the International Olympic Committee, Medical Commission and Pfizer Inc.