Mathematical representation of the velocity curve of sprint running.

Abstract

Some remarks are tendered on the commonly accepted equations of motion for sprint running. All these involve combinations of one or more exponentials. An alternate form, not discussed in the sports literature, is investigated but though sound, is considered to be mathematically unsuitable. The re-examination of some available data on sprinting suggests that a reformulation of the original differential equation leads to a new solution which is a simple hyperbolic function. This equation may prove a better mathematical model than that commonly accepted as the velocity curve of sprint running. Parameters of the curves are discussed for trainability.