There are multiple factors influencing sprinters running velocity and the ability to increase running velocity. The 400 m sprint is usually known as a speed endurance event that demands a high level of anaerobic glycolysis, buffering capacity and aerobic processes to maintain maximum velocity (1,2,3,4).Although stride frequency and stride length have been shown to also influence sprinting speed, stride length seems to be the more important biomechanical parameter when distinguishing between levels of performance in 400 m races (5). Elite sprinters are able to apply more force into the ground, resulting in longer stride lengths, faster stride frequencies, and subsequently, faster sprint times compared to less experienced sprinters (7,8). Although 400 m race is classified as "sprint distance" it is characterized by unique metabolic, neuromuscular,and technical requirements in comparison to 100 and 200 m races (5,9). The countermovement jump (CMJ) is primarily used to measure an athlete's explosive lower-body power and neuromuscular fatigue (10). A relationship between 400 m performance and average height of 30 s repeated CMJs (Boscotest) was found but not with single CMJ height performance(11, 12). The lack of association between jump height (JH) and 400 m performance may be due to the fact that athletes' may employ varying movement strategies (such as increasing the time of force application) to achieve a desired outcome(e.g. jump height) and therefore jump performance may be influenced by a variety of factors. However, comprehensive insight into athletes' neuromuscular function can be gained through detailed analyses using force plates. Different jump types (e.g. squat jumps, weighted jumps) are used in vertical jump testing and its essential to provide information how to incorporate these tests into training program. Despite growing popularity of force plates in S&C we are not aware of any research focusing on jump phase characteristics in high- level 400 m sprinters. Hence, to increase our knowledge of high level performance and to collect up-to date data related to high-level sprinters, more investigations need to be undertaken (13). This knowledge could be used by coaches in order design better training programs and select most important variables. Therefore, the primary purpose of the study was to delineate physical characteristics of two high - level 400 m sprinters using different types of jumps.
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