KINEMATIC PARAMETERS OF THE RUNNING STRIDE IN 7- TO 18-YEAR-OLD YOUTH

The authors deal with a cross-sectional analysis of the ontogenetic characteristics of basic kinematic parameters of the running stride in terms of age and gender of youth aged 7 to 18 years. The following were monitored: average velocity, stride frequency and length, duration of support and flying phase, as well as other derived indicators at 10 metre with a 15 metre flying start. The sample consisted of 1,299 male and 1,288 female students of elementary and high schools in Bratislava. The authors determined the high dependency of running speed and stride length on age. In contrast, there was high ontogenetic stability of some indicators (stride frequency, duration of support and flying phase) in the population of 7- to 18-year-old youth. Ontogenetically stable parameters deteriorated partially in the prepubescent and beginning of the pubescent period at ages 11 to 15. This relates to the rapid growth of body height and weight and the deterioration of biomechanical and coordination conditions of the organism. These findings led the authors to the conclusion that ontogenetically stable indicators comprise so-called dispositional factors in evaluating the level of talent for running speed. [PUBLICATIONABSTRACT]