Integrating Strength and Technique: Field-Based Predictors of Sprint Running Performance

ABSTRACT: Nishioka, T, Yamaguchi, S, Yoshikawa, A, Hajima, D, Yabuno, N, Aoki, A, Kunita, Y, Hashimoto, Y, and Inami, T. Integrating strength and technique: Field-based predictors of sprint running performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This cross-sectional study aimed to (a) examine the interrelationships among field-based indicators of strength qualities, sprinting technique, and sprint running performance; (b) identify the combination that best predicts sprint performance; and (c) determine whether sprinting technique explains additional variance beyond strength qualities. Thirty young, resistance-trained subjects performed 30-m sprint runs. Sprinting technique was assessed using the sprint mechanics assessment score (S-MAS) with a smartphone slow-motion 240-fps video. Strength qualities were assessed using the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), bounce drop jump (BDJ), foot-ankle rebound jump (FARJ), and back squat (BSQ) 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests. The S-MAS, SJ height, CMJ height, and FARJ reactive strength index (RSI) had significant and strong correlations with 30-m sprint time (ρ = 0.629, -0.629, -0.592, and -0.645, respectively; p < 0.001). The BDJ RSI and BSQ 1RM relative to body mass showed significant and moderate correlations with certain sprint times. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis yielded a prediction equation (adjusted R2 = 0.561, p < 0.001) for 30-m sprint time, with FARJ RSI, SJ height, and S-MAS as significant independent variables (p < 0.05). The FARJ RSI and SJ height had negative partial regression coefficients (β = -0.324 and -0.355, respectively), and the S-MAS had a positive partial regression coefficient (β = 0.318). In conclusion, greater speed strength, foot-ankle reactive strength, and sprinting technique were strongly and independently associated with superior sprint running performance. Therefore, practitioners may benefit from targeting these strength and technical qualities, which can be regularly monitored using field-based assessments.