Phase-specific changes in running velocity during the 100 m sprint in university athletes

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The 100 m sprint is widely used as an indicator of human neuromuscular performance and maximal running speed. Sprinting over this distance is characterized by distinct phases, including acceleration, maximum velocity, and deceleration, each associated with specific biomechanical demands and performance characteristics. Despite the application of various analytical approaches to describe sprint phases, their relative expression in male and female university athletes remains a matter of practical interest. This study examined phase wise variations in running velocity during a 100 m sprint to compare the patterns between male and female university athletes. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 230 university athletes (125 males and 105 females). Participants performed a maximal 100 m sprint divided into three phases: acceleration (0–10 m), maximum velocity (45–55 m), and deceleration (90–100 m). Split times were recorded using digital stopwatches. Locomotion speed (m·s⁻¹) was calculated for each phase. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction (p < 0.05). Results. Both sexes displayed the lowest speed during the acceleration phase and the highest speed during the maximum velocity phase. A decline was observed during the final phase. Male athletes recorded higher absolute speeds (5.08, 7.58, 7.09 m/s) than female athletes (4.93, 7.04, 5.92 m/s). Conclusions. University athletes exhibit a consistent phase-wise velocity pattern similar to that of elite sprinters. Despite higher absolute speeds in males, both sexes show similar velocity trends. This highlights the importance of phase-specific sprint training for enhancing performance.