Modes of centripetal ground reaction force application in curved sprinting on an athletic track in male athletes.

The mean centripetal GRF, rather than contact duration, was the primary determinant of the centripetal impulse during curve sprinting for both legs.

• The centripetal impulse was strongly correlated with the mean centripetal GRF for both legs
• The centripetal impulse was not correlated with contact duration for either leg
• This finding supported the authors' first hypothesis regarding impulse determinants
• Fifteen experienced male sprinters performed submaximal sprints on a 42-m-radius curve
• Three-dimensional kinematic data and GRFs were recorded to assess these relationships

The left leg engaged in a complex turning and stability mode defined by specific hip and ankle torques and suppressed outward push during curve sprinting.

• Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to identify lower-limb factors associated with centripetal GRF magnitude
• The left leg mode was characterized by specific hip/ankle torques
• The left leg mode also involved suppressed outward push
• This mode was described as a 'complex turning and stability mode'
• This finding was identified through PLSR analysis of joint torques and kinematic data

The right leg relied on a dominant whole-limb inclination of the knee and ankle joint axis along with ankle plantarflexion torque contribution during curve sprinting.

• The right leg mechanism was distinct from the left leg mechanism, representing functionally asymmetrical modes
• The right leg mode was characterized by dominant whole-limb inclination of the knee and ankle joint axis
• Ankle plantarflexion torque also contributed to the right leg's centripetal GRF application
• PLSR analysis was used to identify these key relationships
• Joint torques were calculated from three-dimensional kinematic data and GRFs

Curve sprinting on an athletic track produces biomechanical leg asymmetries requiring distinct centripetal GRF application strategies for each leg.

• The study investigated sprints performed on a 42-m-radius curve
• Fifteen experienced male sprinters participated in the study
• Three-dimensional kinematic data and GRFs were recorded
• Joint torques were calculated and PLSR was used to assess key relationships
• The asymmetrical mechanisms identified advance understanding of curve-sprinting biomechanics