Key kinetic and kinematic factors of 110-m hurdles performance

This study aimed at exploring the key kinetic and kinematic factors of 110-m hurdle clearance performance using three-dimensional (3D) analysis system. Ten national level athletes participated in this study. The kinematic analysis of the hurdling sequences was recorded using ten mutually synchronized digital cameras. Body markers were digitized using SkillSpector® software. Ground-reaction force was calculated by using rigid body inverse dynamics using the Smith’s equations. All variables were combined into components through a principal component analysis. The retained components have been used in a multiple regression analysis. Twenty variables were retained as key hurdling performance determinants. Specifically the horizontal and vertical velocity of the centre of mass (COM) and the lead-leg/trail-leg in all phases (i.e. take-off flight and landing) horizontal and vertical displacement of the COM the lead-leg/trail-leg vertical displacement and the flight-time at clearance are among the main hurdling performance determinants. Overall to improve hurdling performance greater horizontal velocity lower vertical displacement at flight and lower contact-time at the take-off phases through a higher rate of force development are needed.