“This study aimed to compare the force–velocity–power–time relationships of female and male world-class sprinters. A total of 100 distance–time curves (50 women and 50 men) were computed from international 100m finals, to determine the acceleration and deceleration phases of each race: (a) mechanical variables describing the velocity, force, and power output; and (b) force–velocity–power–time relationships and associated maximal power output, theoretical force and velocity produced by each athlete.”

“The results showed that the maximal sprint velocity and mean power output developed over the entire 100m strongly influenced 100m performance.”

“With the exception of mean force developed during the acceleration phase or during the entire 100m, all of the mechanical variables observed over the race were greater in men. Shorter acceleration and longer deceleration in women….”

“This highlights the importance of the capability to keep applying horizontal force to the ground at high velocities.”

J.Slawinski, et al
How 100-m event analyses improve our understanding of world-class men’s and women’s sprint performance
Scandinavian Journal Of Medicine & Science In Sport — Volume 27 #1 — January 2017