The relationship of the isometric and dynamic rate of force development with sprinting ability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63750/27kcwg16Keywords:
RFD, explosive strength, sprint performance, vertical jump, isometric strengthAbstract
Purpose: The rate of force development (RFD) is a commonly used indicator of explosive strength. While its relationship with various strength test parameters has been widely studied, its association with sprint performance remains less explored. This study investigated different RFD metrics from countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric deadlift tests and their correlation with sprint performance.
Methods: Fifteen physically active male university students participated (age: 24.3±2.0 years, height: 181.8±5.4 cm, mass: 77.3±6.0 kg). Assessments included three CMJs, two isometric deadlift tests on a force plate, and two 30m sprints. Peak, mean RFD, and early-phase RFD values were analyzed, and Spearman’s rank-correlation was used to assess their relationship with sprint performance.
Results: CMJ produced significantly higher RFD values than the isometric deadlift test, with peak RFD averaging 15349 ± 9866 N/s. No interpretable significant correlation was found between any RFD metrics and sprint performance. In contrast, relative isometric maximum strength (r=0.55; p=0.033) and jump height (r=0.82; p<0.001) showed significant correlations with sprint performance.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that RFD metrics from CMJ and isometric deadlift tests may not be suitable indicators of sprinting ability and likely reflect different physical attributes. Maximal isometric strength and jump performance appear to be more reliable predictors of sprint capability.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Erik Kálmán Szabó, Leonidas Petridis, Rafael Krätschmer, Fabian Stöcker (Author)
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