If the starting block angle is adjusted to align with a sprinters body proportions, then horizontal acceleration will increase and overall sprint performance will improve, this is because the force will be directed forward instead of upward

Starting blocks are a piece of equipment used by sprinters, designed to help athletes apply more force at the beginning of a race. The device consists of two adjustable footplates attached to a rail. The footplates allow for sprinters to preload their muscles before the start, which increases the amount of force they can generate after the gun fires. Starting blocks are primarily used by athletes in shorter races such as 100m, 200m and 400m dashes.

A study in sprint biomechanics by Harland and Steele investigated how elite sprinters use their bodies during the start of a race and identified the mechanical factors that contribute most to a fast start. The researchers found that the way a sprinter generates force against the blocks has a large effect on the first few meters of a race and overall performance. To be specific they identified that an athletes ability to quickly generate horizontal force is major for achieving a powerful block start and rapid initial velocity. Another highlight of the research was the importance of body positioning at the start of a race, such as hip and knee angles, which strongly influence how effectively force can be applied. Sprinters who produced greater horizontal forces were able to leave the blocks much more efficiently and reach a higher acceleration in the first few meters.

There were many studies done that analyzed the biomechanics of the block start and first few meters. One study found that during the set position that optimal alignment of the hips and contributions from the back leg are important for producing an effective exit of the blocks. During the push off from the blocks it was found that rapid extension of the hips and the ability to generate high force levels against the blocks was identified as a display of good performance.

A study was done comparing elite level athlete sprinter to slower less trained athletes. The results showed that the elite level sprinter displayed a higher horizontal to vertical force ratio compared to the slower sprinter. This proved that horizontal force is highly important compared to excess vertical force.

Sport scientist's investigated with different block distances based on an athletes body proportions. They identified that when the front block was placed closer to 50% of the leg length, athletes produced a greater force from the rear block without changing push duration, which resulted in a faster block start. This showed that block settings based on body proportions can improve an athletes sprint performance.

A study was done to investigate which joints and muscles contribute the most power into an athletes sprint starts. They measured how the ankle, knee, and hip produce power in exiting the blocks. Their results showed that the hip joint is the main source of energy during the push off from the blocks. Once exiting the blocks the ankles contributions increase.

Independent Variables:

• Block Angle

Dependent Variables:

• Acceleration (m/s) - 10 meters
• Time to reach 10 meters

Controlled Variables:

• Same Runner
• Same Shoes
• Same Track
• Same Distance Measured
• Same Starting Position
• Same Measurement Method

Prepare Equipment:

• An adjustable set of starting blocks spiked into a rubber track
• A measuring tape for measuring the distance of sprinting (10m)
• A stopwatch for measuring sprint time
• A protractor for measuring block angle

Identify Block Angles:

• 45 Degrees
• 55 Degrees
• 65 Degrees

Perform Trials:

I first began with measuring out 10m on a rubber indoor track marked with a cone. I then set the block angles to the pre-determined angles using a protractor to confirm the angle. I then performed a full four point sprint start, and was timed by another using a stopwatch. I repeated each angle four times. I later calculated the average of all the times with each angle.

Run Results Through Formulas

Once I had the results I ran them through the formulas seen in observations. This included testing my formula to predict block angles based on body proportions and also to determine the acceleration of the average of each angle I tested.

Body Measurements Height: 5,10" Leg Length: 3,5"

Block Angle Prediction Calculation

Predicted best block angle equals my measured best block angle multiplied by the ratio of another person's leg length to my leg length

Acceleration Calculation

Acceleration is equal to two times the distance divided by the square of the time it takes to cover that distance

Acceleration of Each Average

45 degrees = 4.06 m/s^2 55 degrees = 4.21 m/s^2 65 degrees = 3.75 m/s^2

Sprint Times Average = Sum of 4 trials divided by 4

After analyzing the sprint times for each block angle, I identified that a 55 degree angle produced the fastest average time of 2.18 seconds,while 45 degrees and 65 degrees were slightly slower at 2.22 seconds and 2.31 seconds.

At a 45 degree angle, my force may have been directed more vertically resulting in a slower acceleration. At 65 degrees I leaned too far forward that it didn't allow for adequate stabilization while exiting the blocks which results in a slower time.

While considering my body proportions, I identified that the 55 degree angle allowed for my legs to extend naturally and generate a higher vertical force while remaining stable. This resulted in a faster acceleration.

The purpose of this experiment was to identify how the angle of starting blocks affects overall sprint acceleration and to explore if an optimal block angle can be predicted based on body proportions, specifically leg length and total height.

To explore this, I performed sprint starts over a 10 meter distance using three different block angles (45,55,65 Degrees). I tested each angle multiple times and calculated the average sprint time. My results showed that the 55 degree block angle produced the fastest average time of 2.18 seconds, The 45 degree angle resulted in a time of 2.22 seconds and the 65 degree angle produced the slowest time of 2.31 seconds.

My results suggested that there is a middle ground that allows a sprinter to produce the most effective use of both forward and vertical force. If the angle is too small, more force is directed vertically rather than forward. If the angle is too large the sprinter may not generate enough vertical force to acquire proper sprinting form. the 55 degree angle was the most efficient for my body proportions allowing for both vertical and horizontal force.

I also considered body proportions by comparing leg length to overall height. I measured myself to have a leg to height ratio of approximately 0.59, which I used to create a mathematical model used to predict optimal block angles based on body proportions. My calculations gave the result that athletes with legs compared to their height may benefit from a slightly larger block angle, and athletes with a shorter leg to height ratio would benefit from a smaller block angle.

My hypothesis that block angles influence sprint performance was supported by my results. My experiment proved that small adjustments in starting block angles has measurable impacts on sprint acceleration and overall results. This research can be useful for athletes, coaches, and sport scientists when deciding an optimal starting block angle.

In conclusion, my experiment presents the idea that sprint performance can be improved by finding the optimal block angle based on body proportions. My experiment also presented the idea that by using mathematics you can predict an optimal block angle, for athletes of varying body proportions.

When racing in sprint events such as the 100 meter dash or 200m dash, the races are often decided by hundredths of a second. The most important part of these races is the first 5 to 10 meters, this is because it consists of the initial acceleration phase when a sprinter goes from stationary to approximately 70% to 75% of their max speed. My experiment finds the optimal block angle to help athletes maximize horizontal force. This data can be used to reach top speed faster, reduce wasted vertical force and gain time advantages in races.

When an athlete is training they may choose a block angle based on comfort, coach preference, or habit. My experiment brings forth a data based approach. If my data and estimations line up then athlete training can become more personalized.

If force is applied too vertically or inefficiently it can lead to increased strain on an athletes knees and hips. Through my experiment athletes can find the optimal block angle to prevent unnecessary joint strain.

My project demonstrates how physics can be directly applied to athletics including, trigonometry, kinematics, Newtons second law, and vector analysis.

One major source of error that occurred is the extent of human reaction time. Small delays after the gun goes off can affect how accurate the calculated acceleration is.

Even with the same block angles, I may not push off with the exact same force each trial allowing for inconsistent sprint starts.

A large factor influencing my results is fatigue. After doing multiple trials at a full effort I will eventually begin to slow down.

If the 10 meters was not measured perfectly or I slowed down before the finish line it could affect the calculated acceleration. The block angles also may not have been measured to perfection, influencing force direction

When sprinting I may not have kept a consistent body position in the block and while running. This includes hip height in the block and arm drive while running

The Biomechanics of the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Narrative Review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6684547/

Biomechanical Performance Factors in the Track and Field Sprint Start: A Systematic Review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8998119/

Sprint start biomechanics: The Science of speed: https://auptimo.com/sprint-start-biomechanics/

Comparative Study of the Sprint Start Biomechanics of Men’s 100 m Athletes of Different Levels: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/10/4083

Everything you need to know about Sprint Starting Blocks!: https://www.neuff.co.uk/blogs/athletics-product-guides/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sprint-starting-blocks?srsltid=AfmBOooqf5tQDaGYAA2-FuiWnXkKarWdMj-xnFZqlMDcVJWAL_FQzZQs

I would like to thank my parents for their support, I would also like to thank Coach Richard from Spartans Calgary Track for assisting me in running my trials. I would like to acknowledge my grandmother for inspiring me to begin running track.