Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Human Sciences
Advisor
Becque, Motier D
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between isometric hamstring and hip flexor peak force and sprint performance variables, including sprint time, velocity, and momentum, in collegiate athletes. Thirty-one NCAA Division I male and female athletes (ages 18–24) from football, track and field, and women’s soccer participated in this study. Isometric hamstring and hip flexor peak force were assessed using a portable fixed dynamometer (TruStrength3, Hawkin Dynamics, Westbrook, ME). Sprint performance was measured using electronic timing gates (Dashr Systems LLC, Lincoln, NE) during a 20 m sprint protocol, with split times recorded at 0–10 m and 10–20 m. Velocity was calculated from split distances and times, and sprint momentum was derived as the product of body mass and velocity.
Pearson product-moment correlations were conducted to examine relationships between strength and performance variables. Significant negative correlations were observed between both hamstring and hip flexor peak force and sprint times, indicating that greater force production was associated with faster sprint performance. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between peak force measures and both velocity and sprint momentum. Notably, hamstring peak force demonstrated strong relationships with sprint momentum at both 10 m and 20 m.
These findings suggest that lower-body force production, particularly hamstring strength, plays a critical role in sprint performance and in the development of momentum during acceleration. Strength and conditioning programs should emphasize the development of hamstring and hip flexor force production to enhance sprint performance in collegiate athletes.