Hamstring Muscle Volume as an Indicator of Sprint Performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Sprint performance relies on complex biomechanical and physiological factors.
• Muscle morphology, particularly muscle volume (MV), may influence explosive power output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare sprint performance and thigh muscle volumes between national-level sprinters and physically active males.
• To investigate the relationship between thigh MVs and sprint mechanical properties and performance.

Main Methods:

• Maximal-effort 40-m sprints were conducted with instantaneous velocity measured by radar.
• Thigh muscle volumes (quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors) were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging.
• Sprint mechanical properties (theoretical maximum force, theoretical maximum velocity, maximum power) were calculated.

Main Results:

• Sprinters demonstrated significantly faster 10-m and 40-m sprint times, higher theoretical maximum velocity, and greater maximum power.
• Sprinters possessed larger quadriceps, adductor, and particularly hamstring muscle volumes.
• Hamstring MV showed strong correlations with 40-m sprint time and theoretical maximum velocity, and moderate correlation with maximum power.

Conclusions:

• National-level sprinters outperform physically active males in speed and power metrics.
• Increased thigh muscle volume, especially in the hamstrings, is associated with enhanced sprint performance.
• Hamstring muscle volume serves as a significant predictor of sprint mechanical properties and overall performance.