Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Title: ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LOWER-LIMB MUSCULAR STRENGTH, RUNNING TECHNIQUE, AND SPRINT PERFORMANCE IN MIXED-SEX UNIVERSITY ATHLETES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Author-Name: Karimov Bekzod Boyqobilovich
Author-Email: bekzodk442@gmail.com
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Economy and Pedagogy
Abstract: Background: Lower-limb muscular strength is a well-established contributor to sprint performance; however, the mechanistic pathways through which strength influences sprint outcomes - specifically through modulation of running technique parameters - remain insufficiently characterized in mixed-sex university athlete populations. Objective: This cross-sectional study examined the associations between lower-limb muscular strength indices, running technique variables, and 30-metre sprint performance in university athletes, and identified the primary strength predictors of sprint time and biomechanical efficiency. Methods: Thirty university athletes (n = 18 males, n = 12 females; mean age: 20.9 ± 1.8 years) participated in a single-session assessment protocol. Muscular strength was evaluated using the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bilateral leg press and isokinetic dynamometry for knee extensor and flexor peak torque (60°/s). Sprint performance was assessed over 30 metres using dual-beam infrared timing gates. Running technique variables - stride length (SL), stride frequency (SF), and ground contact time (GCT) - were captured via inertial measurement unit sensors. Pearson and Spearman correlations, independent-samples t-tests, and stepwise multiple regression analyses were employed. Significance was set at p < 0.05 with Cohen's d and r effect sizes reported. Results: Leg press 1RM (r = −0.71, p < 0.001) and knee extensor peak torque (r = −0.66, p < 0.001) were significantly and negatively correlated with 30-m sprint time. SL was significantly positively correlated with leg press 1RM (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). The hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio was not a significant independent predictor of sprint time (p = 0.14). Stepwise regression revealed that leg press 1RM and SL together explained 68% of the variance in 30-m sprint time (R² = 0.68, p < 0.001). Males demonstrated significantly shorter sprint times and greater strength values than females (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Lower-limb maximal strength, particularly leg press strength, is a strong predictor of sprint performance in university athletes, operating primarily through modulation of stride length. Strength and conditioning programmes targeting lower-limb maximal force production should be considered a foundational component of sprint performance development in this population.
Keywords: muscular strength; sprint performance; running technique; stride length; stride frequency; university athletes; cross-sectional study; isokinetic dynamometry; ground contact time; physical fitness
Creation-Date: 2026-05-01
Journal: Synoptic: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
Volume: 2
Issue: 1
Pages: 15-30
File-URL: https://lmhqneinkzpxfhahvcvx.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/pdfs/articles/1780290547736-15-30.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:snp:journl:art-1780290549455