Initial Findings of a Biomechanical Analysis at the 2008 IAAF World Race Walking Cup

Hanley, Brian, Bissas, Athanassios ORCID: 0000-0002-7858-9623 and Drake, Andrew (2008) Initial Findings of a Biomechanical Analysis at the 2008 IAAF World Race Walking Cup. New Studies in Athletics, 23 (4). pp. 27-34.

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Abstract

The 23rd World Race Walking Cup was a very successful event with an excellent course, large numbers of spectators, and outstanding individual performances. The purpose of this study was to examine the walking techniques of the top finishers in the three senior races. Each race was videoed with two cameras placed at the side of the course where the athletes passed on every lap. Analysis of the top eight 20K women, top eight 50K men, and the 3rd to 10th place finishers in the men’s 20K was completed. The results showed that a balance between maintaining a long stride and a high cadence was crucial in achieving success. Because of the limitations of the specific race walking rules, the hip and ankle muscles must have the requisite power and endurance to develop and maintain high speeds. Men and women differ in the amount of rotation that occurs at the hips and shoulders. Men are able to attain longer strides by moving their hips through larger ranges of movement. In contrast to the joint angles of the legs, there was a large variation in the angles of the shoulders and elbows. It is advisable for athletes to concentrate on maintaining efficient technique in training and in competition.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Related URLs:	Publisher
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV0711 Coaching G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV1060 Track and field athletics
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Athanassios Bissas
Date Deposited:	08 Sep 2020 09:27
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:11
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/8403

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