Training the Arm Swing for High Performance
by Nicholas Mortensen, PhD, CSCS, USAW
NSCA Coach
May 2024
Vol 11, Issue 1
This article explains the connections between the upper and lower body and their influence on performance and recovery strategies in sprinting.
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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
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References
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- Brooks, LC, Weyand, PG, and Clark, KP. Does restricting arm motion compromise short sprint running performance? Gait and Posture 94: 114-118, 2022.
- Clemens, H, and Myers, T. A research review of Jan Wilke’s ‘What is evidence-based about myofascial chains?’ by Holly Clemens. 2016. Retrieved September 2023 from https://www. anatomytrains.com/blog/2016/05/31/review-jan-wilkes-evidencebased- myofascial-chains-holly-clemens/.
- Haugen, T, Seiler, S, Sanbakk, O, and Tonnessen, E. The training and development of elite sprint performance: An integration of scientific and best practice literature. Sports Medicine – Open 5(1): 44, 2019.
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- Hutchinson, A. There’s new data on how your arm swing affects running. 2022. Retrieved December 2023 from https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/arm-swing-running-research-2022/.
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- National Collegiate Athletic Association. NCAA Division 1 Championships. Retrieved December 2023 from https://www.ncaa. com/sites/default/files/external/track-field/results/d1/outdoor17/ final/023-1_compiled.htm.
- Sackey, AS, Schutte, KH, and Venter, RE. Modifications in running kinematics in fatigued running, do not influence the oxygen cost of transport. International Journal Applied Exercise Physiology 8(1): 2322-3537, 2019.
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