Countermovement jump peak force relative to body weight and jump height as predictors for sprint running performances: (In)homogeneity of track and field athletes?

The purpose of this study was to investigate: (a) If variables from 1-leg drop jump (DJ), DJ, squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests can predict sprint performances for sprinters. (b) If sprinters and jumpers can be distinguished based on variables from 1-leg DJ, DJ, SJ, and CMJ tests, also if sprinters and throwers can be distinguished based on variables from stiff leg jump (SLJ), SJ, and CMJ tests. A single linear regression and multiple linear regression analysis approach with models including 2 or × variables were used when predicting sprint performances. Five elite sprinters (1 woman) participated in the first subexamination and 5 sprinters (1 woman) vs. 5 jumpers and ± sprinters vs. ± throwers (4 women) participated in the second. The force variable CMJ peak force (PF) relative to body weight significantly predicted the sprint performances maximal running velocity through 10-m (V̇O₂max10m) and 60-m time. The Vmax10m was also predicted by CMJ height. Jump heights from SJ and DJ did not predict sprint performances. The between-group analysis of the athletes showed a nonsignificant group difference with respect to the jump variables. However, planned comparisons between sprinters and throwers showed significant differences in a number of SLJ variables. When constructing training programs for sprinters, the aim should be to improve CMJ PF and CMJ height because of the prediction of Vmax10-m and 60-m time, presumably because of velocity specificity components.