Correlations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration and maximal speed performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the associations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration, as well as maximal speed performance. Methods A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), and Web of Science. The studies that were included in this review must meet the following criteria: (1) well-trained individuals over the age of 18 years old; (2) Pearson’s correlation coefficients between sprint time and horizontal jump distance were provided; (3) the sprint distance was limited to 0–100 m. The quality of the studies was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index test. A random-effects model was used to determine the effect sizes, and heterogeneity between studies was examined using the Q statistic and I2. Results From the identified 2,815 studies, 27 studies were included in this study (two from reference lists). The sprint time of the sprint acceleration phase was moderately and negatively correlated with the standing long jump (r =  − 0.45, z = 7.48, p < 0.001), single leg standing long jump (r =  − 0.48, z = 3.49, p < 0.001) and horizontal drop jump distance (r =  − 0.48, z = 3.49, p < 0.001), and was largely and negatively correlated with multiple jump distance (r =  − 0.69, z = 6.02, p < 0.001). Out of five studies assessed the standing triple jump, three studies reported significant positive association with the sprint acceleration performance. The sprint time of maximal speed phase was very largely and negatively associated with standing long jump distance (r =  − 0.73, z = 4.44, p < 0.001) and multiple jump distance (r =  − 0.76, z = 6.86, p < 0.001). Conclusions This review indicates the moderate to very large associations between horizontal jump and sprint acceleration and maximal speed performance, and the highest magnitude of associations between them is found in the multiple jump. Moreover, compared to the sprint acceleration performance, there are greater associations between maximal speed performance and standing long jump and multiple jump distance.