The correlation of force-velocity-power relationship of a whole-body movement with 20 m and 60 m sprint performance.

Abstract

Sprinting ability is important for successful performance in sports. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between force-velocity-power relationship of a whole-body movement and sprint performance. Twelve male participants performed maximal squat jumps with additional loads ranging from 0% to 100% body weight to obtain force-velocity profiles. The mean force and velocity were calculated during the push-off phase for each jump, which resulted in a force-velocity curve. The theoretical maximal force (F₀), theoretical maximal velocity (V₀) and theoretical maximum power (P₀) were computed via extrapolation of the force and velocity data. In the second session, participants performed two 60 m sprints and the time to cover 20 m (t₂₀), time to cover 60 m (t₆₀), and maximum sprint velocity (V_max) were calculated from the best 60 m trial. Correlation analyses revealed strong and significant correlations between V₀ and t₂₀ (r = -0.60), V₀ and t₆₀ (r = -0.60), P₀ and t₂₀ (r = -0.75) and P₀ and t₆₀ (r = -0.78). Multiple linear regression indicated that P₀ explained 56%, 61% and 60% of the variability in t₂₀, t₆₀ and V_max, respectively. Our results emphasise the importance of developing power production capabilities to improve sprint performance.