Sprinting and Intoeing

The relationship between sprinting ability and intoeing was explored in a single blinded controlled study performed on 100 high school students. Rotational profiles and sprinting foot-progression angles were compared in 50 high school sprinters and 50 high school controls. Sprinters had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) thigh-foot angle than did controls. The mean thigh-foot angle for sprinters and controls was + 3 and + 10°, respectively. Significantly more sprinters intoed during sprinting than controls (p < 0.05). Neither walking foot-progression angle nor hip rotation appears to be a factor in sprinting. The findings of this study suggest that low normal thigh-foot angles and sprinting intoed may correlate with sprinting ability. This information may reduce anxiety of parents of children with medial tibial torsion.