Changes in women’s 400 m hurdle run from 1978 to 2014

Introduction : 400m hurdle run (400m H) is hel d on a track consisting of nine 35 - meter sections separated by ten 91 cm high hurdles. Numerous analyses of the run structure carried out at major events (Olympic Games, World and European Championships) indicate that the tactics of the run consists of tw o parts: "stride pattern" and "split times". Material and methods : The exploration of spacio - temporal structure of the 400m H run included in this study is a meta - analysis, involving all major competitions that were held within the period of 36 years (from 1978 to 2014). The analysis included 260 runs from two periods of time: 1978 - 1999 (Group A; n = 128) and 2000 - 2014 (Group B; n = 132). Detailed data included in the analysis involved temporal parameters (times of particular sections and fragments of the run) and spatial parameters (number of strides). To evaluate the differences between the groups, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results : The sports performance level was similar in both groups (53.65 ± 0.72s vs. 0.83s ± 53.60.60). The body buil d was differentiated only by body mass – the female hurdlers competing after 2000 were heavier (p≤0.05). The analysis of time structure proves that modern female hurdlers cover the distance of 400 m faster in the first part (p≤0.01), and significantly decr ease the running speed in the final part of the run. The number of strides in Group B is significantly lower at the beginning of the run (p≤0.01), but increases significantly in its following part. Conclusion : The tactics of women’s 400m H run has changed after 2000. It affects indirectly changes in the training process.