Prevalence Of False Step Starting Preference In Track & Field Middle Distance Runners

Middle distance track & field runners start from a non-parallel, staggered foot stance utilizing either a forward- or false-step technique. Previous studies have investigated these starting techniques with most investigations determining that the false step is both preferred and faster, however, it is currently unknown which technique is commonly performed within the 800-meter race. PURPOSE: Determine starting type prevalence rates (forward, false step) in high school (HS), collegiate (C), and senior (S) runners competing in the 800-meter race distance. Additionally, to classify variants of false step within this same population. METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study evaluated publicly available YouTube videos of 800-meter races involving HS, C, or S athletes (n = 317). Races (n = 56) were categorized by sex (male, female), environment (indoor, outdoor), and starting type (lanes, waterfall). Qualitative assessment of starting type was performed by judging the initial front foot movement for either a forward or false step. False steps were further categorized by (1) forward, (2) up & down, (3) lateral, (4) combination, (5) up & back, or (6) undetermined. Chi-square analyses were performed (JASP v0.18.3) to determine potential associations between groups. RESULTS: False step was the most common starting technique (HS - 92.3%, C - 93.6%, S - 86.4%). There was not a significant difference between groups (p = 0.123). The lateral false step was the most common variation performed (HS - 56.3%, C - 48.1%, S - 54.6%). There was not a significant difference between sexes (p = 0.584) or environments (p = 0.316), respectively. There was a significant difference between starting types (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence rate of false step starting technique within all 800-meter middle distance runners, which agrees with investigations of other sports. Among the false step variations, the lateral variant was most common and potentially most effective. Future studies should investigate the biomechanics of the false step variants.