25th Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Leg Length on 40-yard Sprint Speed in College
Age Men and Women
Sophie D. DeHaven*, Kathryn M. Hussey, Melissa A. Mueller, Joseph K. Palcheff, and Nicholas H. Kahan
Dr. Jerry L. Mayhew , Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of leg length on 40-yd dash in tall and short college men and women. College-aged individuals (M = 17, F = 16) performed 3 separate 40-yd dash on a rubberized indoor track and timed by photoelectric cells and a digital timer. Height, weight, and leg length were measured prior to run performance. The 40-yd dash was performed on a rubberized indoor surface. Men and women were dichotomized into short and tall groups using height median values for each gender. Men had significantly greater leg lengths and faster 40-yd dash times than women. There was no significant difference in 40-yd dash time between tall and short individuals in either gender and the interaction (gender by leg length) was not significant. Results indicated that 40-yard dash speed is not leg length dependent in men and women.
Keywords: leg length, 40-yard dash, college-age men and women
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 500-8
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30