Role of Arm Mechanics During Sprint Running: A Review of the Literature and Practical Applications.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ARM ACTION DURING SPRINT RUNNING HAS BEEN AN ONGOING DISCUSSION AMONG PRACTITIONERS. ALTHOUGH SOME COACHES BELIEVE THAT THE ARMS SERVE TO MERELY PROVIDE BALANCE TO THE ROTARY MOMENTUM OF THE LEGS, OTHERS BELIEVE THAT THE ARMS ARE VITAL TO SPRINT RUNNING PERFORMANCE AND CONTRIBUTE TO PROPULSIVE FORCES. ALTHOUGH A LARGE BODY OF RESEARCH HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN INTO THE EFFECTS OF LEG KINEMATICS AND KINETICS ON SPRINT RUNNING PERFORMANCE, THE ROLE OF ARM ACTION REMAINS AMBIGUOUS AND UNDERINVESTIGATED. THEREFORE, THE PURPOSE OF THIS REVIEW IS TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING RELATED TO ARM MECHANICS DURING SPRINT RUNNING AND PROVIDE PRACTICAL CONTEXT GUIDELINES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]