The relationship between countermovement jump performance and sprinting speed in elite sprinters

Abstract

Data regarding associations between vertical jumping and sprinting ability is lacking in elite sprinters. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between variables such as countermovement jump (CMJ) height, relative peak power, and sprint time including flight time and ground contact time across various distances in the 50-m sprint among elite sprinters. Twenty- three male sprinters performed two CMJ attempts followed by two 50-m sprints on an indoor track. Jumping performance was assessed via force plates, while sprint times were recorded using timing photocells, with gates at 0, 5, 20, 30, and 50-m. Results showed a statistically significant negative correlations ranging from large to very large, between CMJ height and sprint time (p<0.01; r= -0.56 to -0.73) across specific distances. Similarly, a significant large to very large correlations was found between CMJ relative peak power and sprint time (p<0.01; r= -0.61 to -0.85) at the studied distances. Furthermore, a large significant correlations was indicated between sprint contact time and sprint time at certain distances (p<0.01; r= -0.55 to 0.62), while sprint flight time correlated with distances above 20-m sprint time (p<0.05; r= 0.45 to 0.48) and with the 20-50-m flying start sprint time (p<0.05; r= 0.48), reaching a moderate magnitude. These findings suggest a significant negative correlation between relative peak power, CMJ height and sprint times across various distances, highlighting the potential for individualized training based on distinct sprint phases. Remarkably, the strength of these correlations increase with longer sprint distance.