Relationship and Training Effects of Horizontal Multi-Step Jumps on Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Systematic review investigating the link between horizontal multi-step jumps and sprint performance.
• Examined if training interventions incorporating these jumps enhance sprinting capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence on the relationship between horizontal multi-step jumps and sprint performance.
• To evaluate the efficacy of training interventions involving these jumps for improving sprint outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of SPORTDiscus and PubMed (MEDLINE).
• Inclusion of English-language studies on athletes aged ≥14-15 years assessing horizontal multi-step jumps and sprint outcomes (up to 100 m).
• Methodological quality and risk of bias assessed; 19 studies (10 intervention, 9 correlational) included.

Main Results:

• Horizontal multi-step jump performance showed significant associations with sprint performance, strongest during acceleration (≤20-30 m).
• Trained sprinters exhibited large to very large correlations (r ≈ -0.65 to -0.88); team-sport athletes showed moderate associations.
• Multi-step jump training improved short-distance sprint performance, especially acceleration (up to ~7-12%), with smaller effects on longer sprints.

Conclusions:

• Horizontal multi-step jumps are strongly associated with sprint acceleration, influenced by athlete population and training status.
• These jumps are valuable for assessing and developing sprint acceleration, but less consistent for maximal sprint speed.
• Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to study heterogeneity and variable methodological quality.