Longer limbs mean longer strides, and longer strides mean greater speed. Cheetahs even run on their toes, which gives their overall leg length yet another inch or so. Another adaptation that contributes to a long stride length is the cheetahs' shoulder blades. In people, the shoulder blade, or scapula, is attached to the collar bone, or clavicle, which makes it an immobile fixture from which our arms swing. Instead, the shoulder blade swivels back and forth along with the cheetahs' legs.
Cheetahs also have very flexible spines.
This adaptation enables cheetahs to flex and then straighten their spine in a manner that also lengthens their stride. Large lungs inside a deep chest provide essential oxygen to their hard working muscles as they run. Instead, their acceleration, speed, and agility allow them to capture their favorite lunch items by outrunning them. However, the features that allow a cheetah to move so quickly have their costs. There is also a trade off between speed and power.