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 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