Shorter ground contact times are associated with which outcome in sprinting?

• A. Higher stride rate
• B. Lower stride rate
• C. Increased vertical impulse
• D. Reduced forward propulsion

Answer: (A)

Shorter ground contact times let the step cycle be completed more quickly, so you can take more steps per second. In sprinting, speed comes from both stride length and stride rate; when contact time is reduced, stride rate typically increases, assuming you still generate forward propulsion effectively. That faster cadence is the main way shorter contact times translate into faster sprinting. Lower stride rate would slow you down, and while vertical impulse relates to how much upward force you apply, it isn’t the direct outcome of shorter contact time. Reduced forward propulsion would also contradict the typical effect of aiming for quicker, more frequent steps.