Physiological and neuromuscular indices associated with sprint running performance

The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationships among physiological and neuromuscular indices with the 200- and 400-m sprint running performance. Fourteen male sprinters performed the following tests: determination of 200- (P200) and 400-m (P400) running performance; determination of VO2max and the velocity associated at VO2max; squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ); and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD). Significant correlations were observed between SJ (r = -0.53), CMJ (r = -0.69), and MAOD (r = -0.65) with P200. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and MAOD explained 70% of the P200. The MAOD was the only variable to correlate significantly with P400 (r = -0.56); VO2max and CMJ were also selected in the regression together and explained 79% of P400. The indicators of muscular power and anaerobic capacity are capable of explaining P200. In the 400 m, the performance was determined by indices of anaerobic capacity, in conjunction with the athletes' aerobic and muscular power.