Study on the Relationship between 100-Meter Sprint Performance of Male Athletes and Lower Limb Maximum Strength, Explosive Power, and Jumping Ability

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmpe.202618120

Author(s)

Sihang Zeng, Hongqin Zhou

Affiliation(s)

College of Physical Education and Health, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi, China

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between 100-meter sprint performance and lower-limb maximal strength, explosive power, and jumping ability in male sprinters, and to identify key physical fitness indicators affecting sprint performance, providing a basis for specialized physical training and monitoring. Methods: Male 100-meter sprinters were recruited as participants. Indicators of basic body morphology, lower-limb maximal strength, explosive strength, and jumping ability were collected, including peak force (PF) from the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), relative maximal strength, rate of force development (RFD) at 100 ms and 150 ms, countermovement jump height, squat jump height, dynamic strength index (DSI), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and high-intensity reactive strength index (RSI). the best 100-meter performance in the past year was used as the criterion for sprint performance. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted to explore the relationships between these physical fitness indicators and 100-meter performance, and to screen for key influencing factors. Results: Relative maximal strength (r=-0.582, P<0.01), 100 ms RFD (r=-0.615, P<0.01), 150 ms RFD (r=-0.523, P<0.05), countermovement jump height (r=-0.485, P<0.05), squat jump height (r=-0.450, P<0.05), and high-intensity RSI (r=-0.540, P<0.05) were all significantly correlated with 100-meter performance. Multiple regression analysis showed that 100 ms RFD, relative maximal strength, countermovement jump height, and high-intensity RSI entered the final model, with 100 ms RFD contributing the most (β=-0.410, P=0.012). Conclusion: Male 100-meter sprint performance is closely related to lower-limb maximal strength, explosive power, and jumping ability, with 100 ms RFD being the most critical physical fitness indicator influencing sprint performance. Training should emphasize the coordinated development of relative maximal strength, early rapid force production, and reactive jumping ability to improve 100-meter sprint performance in male athletes.

Keywords

Male 100-Meter Sprint; Sprinting; Relative Maximal Strength; Explosive Power; Rfd; Jumping Ability

References

[1] Wang Y. Research on the balanced regulation of endurance and speed in track and field training [J]. Track and Field, 2025, (12):58-60. [2] Zheng X, Chen H, Su B, et al. Progress and trends in scientific training for 100 m sprint: Based on sport biology and methodology [J]. China Sport Science, 2022, 42(2):3-11. [3] Chen W, Zhang B, Zhang J. Correlation between specific physical fitness and 100 m performance in Chinese male sprint reserve talents [J]. Journal of Chengdu Sport University, 2019, 45(4):85-90. [4] MAFFIULETTI N A, AAGAARD P, BLAZEVICH A J, et al. Rate of force development: physiological and methodological considerations [J]. Eur J Appl Physiol, 2016, 116(6):1091-1116. [5] OLEKSY Ł, MIKA A, KUCHCIAK M, et al. Relationship between Countermovement Jump and Sprint Performance in Professional Football Players [J]. 2024, 13(15):4581. [6] PLESA J, KOZINC Z, SMAJLA D, et al. the association between reactive strength index and reactive strength index modified with approach jump performance [J]. PLoS One, 2022, 17(2): e0264144. [7] HE Z, DUAN T, LI D, et al. Effects of resisted sprint training on agility and change-of-direction performance in soccer players: a systematic review with meta-analysis [J]. 2025, 13: e20084. [8] Zhou T, Xu W. Relationship between stretch-shortening cycle in jumping and short-distance sprint acceleration ability in young sprinters [J]. China Sport Science and Technology, 2025, 61(3):13-22. [9] Jiang Z, Li Q. Rethinking strength training for sprinting [J]. Journal of Shandong Sport University, 2017, 33(5):86-93. [10] Lu H, Xu Y, Wang R. Application of isometric mid-thigh pull test in the assessment of lower limb muscle strength [J]. Journal of Chengdu Sport University, 2022, 48(1):129-142. [11] STAVRIDIS I, ZISI M, ARSONIADIS G G, et al. Relationship Between Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Force, Sprint Acceleration Mechanics and Performance in National-Level Track and Field Athletes [J]. 2025, 15(3):1089. [12] Cao H. Reliability and correlation analysis of dynamic strength index and force-velocity imbalance index [D]. Shanghai University of Sport, 2023. [13] MCMAHON J J, MURPHY S, REJ S J, et al. Countermovement-jump-phase characteristics of senior and academy rugby league players [J]. 2017, 12(6):803-811. [14] MAFFIULETTI N A, AAGAARD P, BLAZEVICH A J, et al. Rate of force development: physiological and methodological considerations [J]. 2016, 116(6):1091-1116. [15] Dai X, Zhan J. Construction and empirical study of specific strength in sprint events based on structural functional theory [J]. Journal of Xi’an Sport University, 2018, 35(4):506-512. [16] BEATTIE K, TAWIAH-DODOO J, GRAHAM-SMITH P. Countermovement jump characteristics of world-class elite and sub-elite male sprinters [J]. 2020. [17] HE J, LI M, ZHANG Q, et al. Associations between the performance of vertical jump and accelerative sprint in elite sprinters [J]. 2025, 13:1539197. [18] HARTMANN H, WIRTH K, KEINER M, et al. Short-term Periodization Models: Effects on Strength and Speed-strength Performance [J]. Sports Med, 2015, 45(10):1373-1386. [19] HICKS D S, DRUMMOND C, WILLIAMS K J, et al. Exploratory Analysis of Sprint Force-Velocity Characteristics, Kinematics and Performance across a Periodized Training Year: A Case Study of Two National Level Sprint Athletes [J]. 2022, 19(22):15404.