Correlation between jumping performance and long distance running among young elite orienteers- a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Running economy (RE) is known to be a strong indicator for performance on long distance running. RE is improved by plyometric training through an increase in stiffness in the musculotendinous system. Stretch shorten cycle (SSC) is a function in the muscle where a contraction is preceded by a stretch or an eccentric action. Orienteering is an endurance sport where RE is important for performance. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine whether or not there is a correlation between jumping performance and performance on long distance running in young elite orienteers 16-19 years old. Methods: 34 young elite orienteers did drop jumps (DJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) on an ErgoJump Bosco System contact mat. In conjunction with the jumps time on a 5 or 7 km (for girls and boys respectively) running test was collected. Pearson's correlation test was then used to determine the correlation between jumping height and running velocity. Results: The jumping height of the CMJ was on average 30,46 cm and 28,24 cm for the DJ. The running velocity was on average 14,19 km/h. Pearson's correlation test for the correlation between DJ and running velocity was 0,463 and for the correlation between CMJ and running velocity it was 0,461. In both cases the significance was 0,006. Conclusions: There is a significant, moderate to strong correlation between jump height in DJ and CMJ and performance on long distance running on a running test in young elite orienteers