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Advanced spike technology enhances sprinting speed

##article.authors##

  • Jonas Klein Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4938-7448
  • Tom Jasper Oeppert Institute of Movement and Neurosciences https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1298-0419
  • Moritz Schepp Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
  • Klara Lange Institute of Sport Science, Georg August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
  • Thomas Schmalz Clinical Research and Services, Research Biomechanics, Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, Göttingen, Germany https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2711-6591
  • Steffen Willwacher Institute for Advanced Biomechanics and Motion Studies, Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, Offenburg, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51224/SRXIV.320

Keywords:

Advanced Footwear Technology, super spikes, cushioning, maximal sprinting speed, track running, athletic performance

Abstract

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.

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Posted

2023-08-24