Variáveis biomecânicas do salto vertical como discriminante do desempenho em corredores de rua

Abstract

Road running performance is influenced by a combination of physiological, neuromuscular, and biomechanical factors. Among these, the ability to use the stretch- shortening cycle (SSC) has been highlighted as an important component for movement efficiency and performance, especially in short-distance events. Vertical jump tests, such as the Drop Jump, allow the assessment of this ability through biomechanical variables related to rapid force production.Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze whether biomechanical variables of the vertical jump can discriminate performance levels in adult road runners. This cross-sectional observational study included runners classified as recreational or amateur. Participants performed the Drop Jump test on a force platform, and variables related to braking and propulsion phases were analyzed, including contact time, flight time, jump height, reactive strength index, normalized peak forces and powers, and impulse variables.Sports performance was determined by the best official 5-km race time. The results showed significant differences between groups in variables associated with reactive capacity and power output, with large effect sizes. Additionally, moderate to strong correlations were observed between Drop Jump variables and 5-km performance, particularly flight time, mean braking velocity, and normalized propulsive power.It is concluded that Drop Jump biomechanical variables show potential to discriminate performance levels in adult road runners and are associated with 5-km race performance.