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British Journal of Sports Medicine logoLink to British Journal of Sports Medicine
. 1983 Jun;17(2):102–109. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.17.2.102

Physiological and psychological correlates of success in track and field athletes.

T R Thomas, C J Zebas, M S Bahrke, J Araujo, G L Etheridge
PMCID: PMC1859022  PMID: 6883017

Abstract

Twenty-four collegiate distance runners and 20 power athletes (sprinters and jumpers) of various success levels were tested on a number of physiological and psychological parameters. Multiple regression analysis indicated that physiological factors could explain over 81% of the variance related to successful distance running while physiological and psychological factors could explain over 80% of the of the variance related to successful sprinting and jumping. Body weight, fibre type, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and hamstring strength were significant singular correlates to successful distance running. Year in school, percent body fat, quadriceps strength, and leg muscle balance were significant single correlates to successful sprinting and jumping performance.

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Selected References

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