Start performance was 33.8% lower (p<0.001) in ASs versus NASs matched with respect to relative 100 m PR (Table 3). When matched based on absolute 100 m PRs, a smaller and almost significant (p = 0.08) reduction of 17.7% was observed (Table 4). Force application to the rear block differed significantly between ASs and NASs in the sagittal plane (Tables 3 and 4), while effects were greater when subjects were matched with respect to their relative PRs. The direction of force application was more vertical for amputee athletes, particularly in the front block. Block times were significantly increased by 23.9% and 9.6% for ASs when compared to relative and absolute PR matched NASs, respectively (Tables 3 and 4).