Mechanical determinants of sprint running in australian rules football athletes

This study evaluated the mechanical determinants of 40-m sprint performance and identified variables of a countermovement jump (CMJ) that relate to 40-m sprint performance in Australian Rules Football (ARF) athletes. Sprint mechanics were calculated using inverse dynamic methods from sprint times, while CMJ kinetics and kinematics were obtained from in-ground force plates. Peak power and maximum horizontal force correlated with all sprint times while maximum running velocity correlated with sprint times across 20 to 40-m. Peak CMJ force associated with sprint kinetics (power and horizontal force) and 5 to 20-m sprint times while jump height and concentric time correlated with sprint time at 20-m. Emphasis should be placed on improving peak power by focusing on maximal force production or maximal running velocity. Associations between CMJ and sprint performance allow an alternative method to monitor training adaptations, without requiring maximal sprint testing.