Is the distance setting for short distance running in physical education class correct? A proposal based on relative running speed and running time

BACKGROUND: Ito (2007) clarified that they might finish the run without achieving their maximum running speed if the set distance is not appropriate, taking pace into consideration. If the goal is to increase the maximum running speed the above reports indicate the importance of training that allows the maximum running speed to be demonstrated, in addition to creating an appropriate environment in class. We examine whether the timing at which the running speed started to decrease to <98% of the maximum running speed fell within about 7.5 seconds, the duration for which non-lactic acid energy is supplied.METHODS: The subjects for the analysis were 73 first- to third-year male junior high school students, 17 third-year male high school students, and 8 male sprinters belonging to college track and field teams. And so, the numerical data of elementary school students provided by Urata et al. (2019) and the 100-m final of world first-class sprinters were quoted from a web page and previous studies for comparisons and examinations, along with the results chart from this study.RESULTS: The 98% max decrease time was significantly prolonged (F(4, 151)=10.5, P<0.001). Subsequent multiple comparison tests showed that there were significant difference in between elementary school students and junior high school students, junior high school students and high school students.CONCLUSIONS: To increase the maximum running speed, sprint training for track and field in physical education should be completed within approximately 8 seconds from the start to the end of the run.