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RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JUMPING ABILITY AND
RUNNING PERFORMANCE IN EVENTS OF VARYING
DISTANCE
BRANDON HUDGINS, JESSICA SCHARFENBERG, N. TRAVIS TRIPLETT, AND JEFFREY M. MCBRIDE
Neuromuscular and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian
State University, Boone, North Carolina
ABSTRACT
Hudgins, B, Scharfenberg, J, Triplett, NT, and McBride, JM.
Relationship between jumping ability and running performance
in events of varying distance. J Strength Cond Res 27(3): 563–
567, 2013—Running performance consists of a combination of
aerobic and anaerobic capabilities, varying based on the
distance of the event. It may be also dependent on factors
relating to lower body power. Lower body power is commonly
assessed by various modes of jumping tests. The purpose of
this investigation was to determine if jumping performance
would have some willingness to run performance in different
distance events. This study involved 33 competitive track and
field runners who partic ipated in events ranging from 60 to
5,000 m (10 sprinters: height = 1.72 6 10.26 m, mass = 67.80 6
10.83 kg; 11 middle distance runners: height = 1.77 6 0.08 m,
mass = 64.40 6 8.02 kg; 12 long-distance runners: height = 1.73
6 0.11 m, mass = 60.42 6 10.36 kg). All subjects were
competitive NCAA Division I athletes. Subjects were tested on
a single occasion in a 3-jump test (TSJP), which was the
distance covered during 3 two-leg standing long jumps performed
in immediate succession. Time in the 60, 100, 200, 800, 3,000,
and 5,000 m was obtained from recent race performances. The
mean TSJP for sprinters, middle distance runners, and long-
distance runners were 8.24 6 1.32, 6.59 6 1.23, and 5.61 6 0.88
m, respectively. The mean 60, 100, 200, 800, 3,000, and 5,000
m performances were 7.28 6 0.78, 11.25 6 0.87, 23.47 6 2.25,
127.17 6 15.13, 562.09 6 60.54, and 987.65 6 117.19 seconds,
respectively. Significant correlations (p # 0.05) were observed
between TSJP and running performance for all distances (60
m: 0.97 seconds, 100 m: 1.00 seconds, 200 m: 0.97 seconds,
800 m: 0.83 seconds, 3,000 m: 0.72 seconds, and 5,000 m:
0.71 seconds). The strength of the correlations, in general, was
strongest to weakest based on event distance from the shortest distance (60 m) to the
Address correspondence to Dr. Jeffrey M. McBride, mcbridejm@app
state.edu.
27(3)/563–567
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
2013 National Strength and Conditioning Association
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
longest distance (5,000m). Thus, the contribution of muscle
power, as possibly determined by TSJP, perhaps most important
in shorter distance races (60, 100, and 200 m). However,
because of the significant correlations between TSJP and
middle and long-distance running performance as well, the
contribution of muscle power to these events (800, 3,000, and
5,000 m) should be considered as a component for training for
both sprinters and middle - and long-distance runners.
KEY WORDS strength, power, sprint, jump
INTRODUCTION
between running performance and various
stretch-shortening cycle tests, such as a counter
Severalmovement
studies have
jump,examined the 5-bound
drop jump, and relationship
jump
(1,6,11). However, most of these investigations have
exam ined relatively short distances from 10 to 300 m.
Running velocity has been shown to be a function of force
and power production (13,20). Thus, given the high-power
output associated with jumping activities, it has been
questioned whether jumping tests could be a predictor of
running performance for a larger range of running
distances from 60 to 5,000 m. Based on previous
investigations, the 800-, 3,000-, and 5,000-m races are
obviously run at a lower velocity than short-distance
events. However, there is still possibly a power component
to achieving a superior performance in the long-distance
events as well. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation
was to determine if jump test performance might be
related to running performance in short- and long-distance events.
Force and power are an obvious component of running
ability (21). Many investigations have found a relationship
between various measures of strength and power and
running performance. Maximal squat strength has been
significantly correlated to sprint performance (16). With
regard to power, Barr and Nolte (1) found a significant
correlation between drop jump performance and 0–10 m (r
= 0.66), 10–30 m (r = 0.86), and 30–60 m (r = 0.86) split
time. Bissas and Havenetidis (2) also found a relationship
between drop jump performance and maximal running velocity (r = 0.73)
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Running Performance and Jumping

Kale et al. (14) found a significant correlation between drop
jump height and maximum velocity as well. Squat jump
power output has been correlated to 5 m sprint time (5)
and 0–10 m running velocity (23). Countermovement jump
height has also been reported to correlate to acceleration
from 0 to 10 m (28) and 25 to 35 m sprint time (27). The
standing triple jump and standing long jump have also been
shown to significantly correlate to 10, 20, 30, and 40 m
average velocity and acceleration values (3). Thus, it seems
that both vertical and horizontal jumping ability relates to
relatively short running distance performance. Very few
studies, if any, have examined these various measures of
strength and power in relation to long-distance performance
ances. In addition, no known studies have examined actual
race performance time ranging from 60, 100, 200, 800,
3,000, and 5,000 m in competitive runners in relationship
to their jumping abilities.
The concept that force and power are related to running
performance is also supported by many training studies (12).
Improvements in sprinting ability have been reported after
heavy resistance training (19) and explosive strength training
(4). Plyometric training (17) and resisted sprint training (10)
have been shown to result in improvements in running per
formance as well. Although most studies have examined
strength and power training on short-distance running per
formance, a few have also examined the effect on middle
and long-distance running performance. Mikola et al. (18)
reported that both heavy and explosive resistance training
improved maximal endurance in long-distance runners.
Taipale et al. (26) also showed a positive effect of strength
training on running performance in endurance runners.
Some studies indicate that strength training might influence
long-distance running performance by improving running
economy (8,15); however, the results are inconclusive at this
time. Given that various modes of strength and explosive
resistance training conclusively improve short-distance
running performance and, possibly, long-distance running
per formance, the examination of a power test (ie 3-jump test,
which was the distance cov
ered during 3 two-leg standing
ing long jumps performed in
immediate succession), and its TABLE 1. Relationship between 60, 100, 200, 800, 3,000, and 5,000 m time and
possible relationship to running 3-step jump performance (TSJP).
performance in competitive Distance (m)
runners in different events (ie,
60, 100, 200, 800, 3,000, and Average TSJP: 8.24 6 1.32 m
60
5,000 m) seems warranted. 100
200
METHODS
Average TSJP: 6.08 6 1.15 m
Experimental Approach to 800
the Problem 3,000
5,000
The purpose of this study was
to determine if a 3-jump test *Indicates significant correlation at p # 0.05.
(TSJP), which was the distance
covered during 3 two-leg
the TM
standing long jumps performed in immediate succession,
would be correlated to competitive running performance time
from sprinters, middle-distance runners, and long-distance
runners in the 60, 100, 200, 800, 3,000, and 5,000 m events.
Actual competition time was obtained for the sprinters in the
60, 100, and 200 m events. However, time for the 60 m for 2
of the sprinters and for the 100 m for 4 of the sprinters was
not available. Actual competition time was obtained from all
of the middle- and long-distance runners for the 800, 3,000,
and 5,000 m events. Height, body mass, and the TSJP
performances were performed in the laboratory.
Subjects
This study involved 33 competitive track and field runners
who participated in events ranging from 60 to 5,000 m
(sprinters [5 men and 5 women]: height = 1.72 6 10.26 m,
mass = 67.80 6 10.83 kg; 11 middle-distance runners
[6 men and 5 women]: height = 1.77 6 0.08 m, mass =
64.40 6 8.02 kg; and 12 long-distance runners [8 min
and 4 women]: height = 1.73 6 0.11 m, mass = 60.42 6
10.36 kg). All subjects were competitive NCAA Division
I athletes. Subjects were asked to refrain from any physical
activity training 24 hours before testing. Subjects were
informed of the testing procedures and were required to
sign an informed consent prior to testing. Approval from
the Institutional Review Board was obtained before the
start of the investigation.
Study Design
Subjects visited the laboratory on one occasion during the
afternoon hours between 3 and 6 PM and performed a TSJP,
which was the distance covered during 3 two-leg standing
long jumps performed in immediate succession. The time of
testing was coincidental with the normally scheduled training
time for each athlete. Thus, the athletes were familiar
with the expectation of maximal exertion during this time.
Height and body mass were also obtained during this session
from each athlete. Running time was obtained from recent
competitive events for each athlete.
Time(s) Correlation (r)
7.28 6 0.78 0.97*
11.25 6 0.87 1.00*
23.47 6 2.25 0.97*
127.17 6 15.13 0.83*
562.09 6 60.54 0.72*
987.65 6 117.19 0.71*

564 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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Machine Translated by Google
Figure 1. Correlation between 60, 100, and 200 m competition
performance times and 3-step jump performance. *Indicates significant
correlation at p # 0.05.
Three-Jump
Test After 5 minutes of pedaling on a bicycle ergometer,
subjects were allowed 2 warm-up trials of the TSJP. Subjects
were then given 3 attempts at the TSJP with the best
performance used for comparative purposes. The subjects
began the test by standing with their toes on a starting line
and were then asked to perform 3 two-leg standing long
jumps in imme diate succession. No run-up was allowed, but
arm swing was allowed. If the subject fell or touched the
ground with their hands, the trial was repeated.
Statistical Analysis
Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and results
were reported as mean 6 SD. The 3-jump test was correlated
with competitive performance running time using a Pearson
product-moment coefficient, and significance was indicated as
Figure 2. Correlation between 800, 3,000, and 5,000 m competition
performance times and 3-step jump performance. *Indicates significant
correlation at p # 0.05.
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P# 0.05. All statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS
Version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
RESULTS
All correlations were significant (P#0.05) (Table 1). The cor
relation between the TSJP and the 60 m time was r = 0.97
(Figure 1). The correlations between the TSJP and the 100
and 200 m time were r = 1.00 and r = 0.97, respectively
(Figure 1). The correlation between the TSJP and the 800 m
time was r = 0.83 (Figure 2). The correlations between the
3,000 and 5,000 m time were r = 0.72 and r = 0.71, respectively (Figure 2).
DISCUSSION
As previously indicated, many studies have examined the
relationship between jumping and running performance in
short-distance events (10–300 m) (1,6,11). Thus, it has been
established that running performance relates to power output
associated with jumping activities (13,20). However, even
though long-distance events have not necessarily been
identified as having a major strength or power component,
the results of this study indicate that a certain amount of
variance in middle- to long-distance running performance can
be related to power capabilities in jumping (TSJP). The
literature identifies that short-distance events, most likely,
require the highest levels of muscle power and the middle-to
long-distance events to a lesser extent. This is reflected in
the results, in that the strength of the correlations decreased
with increasing event distance (60 m: r = 0.97 and 5,000 m: r = 0.71).
The results of the present study seem to support previously
reported data concerning short-distance running events.
Correlations of 0.66, 0.86, and 0.86 were reported between
drop jump performance and 0–10, 10–30, and 30–60 m split
time, respectively (1). Drop jump performance has also been
correlated with maximal running velocity (r = 0.73) (2).
Although the drop jump is significantly different from the TSJP
in the present study, similar correlations were observed (0.71–
1.00). Countermovement jump height has been reported to
correlate with repeat sprint time (r = 0.85) (24), acceleration
from 0 to 10 m (r = 0.43) (28), and 35 m sprint time (r = 0.788)
(27). Again, these values are similar to those observed in the
present study. The standing triple jump has been shown to
significantly correlate to 10, 20, and 40 m average velocity (r
= 0.74, 0.56, and 0.51) (3). The standing long jump has been
shown to correlate to average velocity at 10, 20, and 40 m as
well (r = 0.80, 0.42, and 0.44) (3). However, some of these
values are slightly lower than those reported in the present
study using the TSJP. Thus, it seems that both vertical and
horizontal jumping abilities relate to relatively short running
distance performance. As previously indicated, a majority of
the previous investigations have examined only short-distance
events. In the present study, longer distances of 800, 3,000,
and 5,000 m were examined as well. The cor relations
between the TSJP and the competition time (800 m: r = 0.83,
3,000 m: r = 0.72, and 5,000 m: 0.71) were in
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Running Performance and Jumping
comparison quite strong, possibly indicating that strength and
power still play some role in performance even in very long
distances such as 5,000 m. In addition, in contrast to most of
the previous studies, the present study performed correlations
between jump performance (TSJP) and actual competition
time.
Given that some previous studies have shown that heavy
and explosive resistance training has improved endurance
performance (19.26), the correlation between TSJP and the
800, 3,000, and 5,000 m races may not be surprising. Younger
long-distance runners have been re ported to have greater
relative vertical jump power (88.2 W/kg) in comparison to
older runners (69.8 W/kg), with respective differences in each
group of 5,000 m time (young = 1.013 seconds and old =
1.226 seconds) (22).
This study also reported that relative vertical jump power was
correlated with running economy across all subjects.
As previously stated, the mechanism by which strength and
power may improve long-distance performance may relate to
varying abilities in running economy as indicated by other
studies as well (8,15). One factor influencing running economy
may be muscle stiffness, which is often associated with
increased strength and power (7,9). One study reported a
correlation between changes in tendon stiffness and the
energy cost of running after isometric strength training in
highly trained distance runners (9).
Plyometric training has been shown to increase muscle ten
don stiffness with a coincidental increase in running economy
in long-distance runners as well (25). In conclusion, it is clear
that jumping ability is associated with short-distance running
performance as supported by the present investigation and
sev eral previous investigations. The present study also
indicates that running performance in long-distance events, at
least to a certain extent, may also be related to jumping ability as well.sprinting and jumping performance. J Strength Cond Res 26:299–306,
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Given the consistency in reported results, relating jumping
performance and short-distance running performance, these
abilities seem to be coincidental, and it may be possible to
use jumping performance as an efficient and immediate
evaluation of potential or current short-distance running ability.
The strength and power training studies, which often involve
jump training, that report coincidental increases in running
economy indicate that jumping ability may also be potentially
used as an assessment tool for long distance running
performance as well. The TSJP may be an effective more-
frequently used assessment tool for the progression of an
athlete's running performance as opposed to the more
strenuous and more time-consuming process of obtaining an
actual event trial time, which may disrupt certain training
cycles during the course of the year. Due to the significant
relationship found between TSJP of both short- and long-
distance races, strength and power training should be
considered for both sprinters and middle- and long-distance
running event athletes.
the TM
566 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
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