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Recent advances in spiked shoe design, characterized by increased longitudinal stiffness, thicker midsole foams, and reconfigured geometry are considered to improve sprint performance. However, so far there is no empirical data on the effects of advanced spikes technology on maximal sprinting speed (MSS) published yet. Consequently, we assessed MSS via ‘flying 30m’ sprints of 44 trained male (PR: 10.32 s - 12.08 s) and female (PR: 11.56 s - 14.18 s) athletes, wearing both traditional and advanced spikes in a randomized, repeated measures design. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in MSS by 1.21% on average when using advanced spikes technology. Notably, 87% of participants showed improved MSS with the use of advanced spikes. A cluster analysis unveiled that athletes with higher MSS may benefit to a greater extent. However, individual responses varied widely, suggesting the influence of multiple factors that need detailed exploration. Therefore, coaches and athletes are advised to interpret the promising performance enhancements cautiously and evaluate the appropriateness of the advanced spike technology for their athletes critically.
Linear acceleration is a key performance determinant and major training component of many sports. Although extensive research about lower limb kinetics and kinematics is available, consistent definitions of distinctive key body positions, the underlying mechanisms and their related movement strategies are lacking. The aim of this ‘Method and Theoretical Perspective’ article is to introduce a conceptual framework which classifies the sagittal plane ‘shin roll’ motion during accelerated sprinting. By emphasising the importance of the shin segment’s orientation in space, four distinctive key positions are presented (‘shin block’, ‘touchdown’, ‘heel lock’ and ‘propulsion pose’), which are linked by a progressive ‘shin roll’ motion during swing-stance transition. The shin’s downward tilt is driven by three different movement strategies (‘shin alignment’, ‘horizontal ankle rocker’ and ‘shin drop’). The tilt’s optimal amount and timing will contribute to a mechanically efficient acceleration via timely staggered proximal-to-distal power output. Empirical data obtained from athletes of different performance levels and sporting backgrounds are required to verify the feasibility of this concept. The framework presented here should facilitate future biomechanical analyses and may enable coaches and practitioners to develop specific training programs and feedback strategies to provide athletes with a more efficient acceleration technique.