| Segmental Leg Lengths as Biomechanical Determinants of Performance across Sprint and Endurance Events |
| Paper ID : 1342-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
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Shahabeddin Tahmasebi1, Payam Abasian Mehr2, Saeed Rezaee3, Ahmad Hematabadi *4 1Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty if Sport Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran 2Department of Exercise Physiology and Sport Injuries and Corrective Movements, Faculty of Sport Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 31. Department of Exercise Physiology and Sport Injuries and Corrective Movements, Faculty of Sport Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran 4M.Sc. in Exercise Physiology, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Lower limb morphology is a critical biomechanical factor influencing running performance. Segmental lengths of the thigh and shank affect stride length, ground contact mechanics, and energy cost, potentially favoring sprint or endurance events differently (Bezodis et al., 2008; Schubert et al., 2014). While stature and limb proportions have been linked to both maximal speed and aerobic capacity, evidence remains inconsistent across athlete populations (Mooses et al., 2013; Tomita et al., 2020). This study investigates whether longer lower limbs are more strongly associated with sprint (100 m) than endurance (2000 m) performance in track athletes. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted on 150 male and female track athletes specializing in sprint (100 m) and endurance (2000 m) events. Anthropometric variables including seated height, total stature, thigh length, and shank length were measured using a standard stadiometer and anthropometer. Running times for both distances were recorded under identical field conditions. Correlations between lower limb length and performance outcomes were analyzed using Pearson’s coefficient via SPSS 22, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Analysis revealed strong negative correlations between height-related variables and 100 m performance (p < 0.001), indicating that taller athletes with longer thigh and shank segments achieved faster sprint times. In contrast, associations with 2000 m endurance performance were weaker and mostly nonsignificant, suggesting that leg length is a stronger morphological predictor of sprint than endurance capacity. Conclusion: Lower limb length, including thigh and shank segments, showed a significant negative correlation with 100 m performance, indicating that athletes with longer legs achieved faster sprint times. In contrast, only standing and sitting height showed weak associations with 2000 m performance. Therefore, longer lower limbs appear to confer a morphological advantage in sprint events, while their influence on endurance performance is limited. |
| Keywords |
| Athletic, seated height, leg length, shank length |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
