Relationship Between Toe Grip Strength and Sprint Ability in Elementary School Track and Field Athletes

Longitudinal Observations Over Three Years

Abstract

In recent years, toe grip strength has received much attention and affects various physical function. One of these may be related to the sprinting ability. Previous studies have shown a relationship between toe grip strength and sprinting ability in elementary school children, but as far as we know, most of the studies are cross-sectional study and not longitudinal observations. Therefore, we examined the relationship between toe grip strength and sprint ability in elementary school track and field athlete longitudinal observations over three years. This study included toe grip strength, grip strength, standing long jump, and sprint speed were measured in eight elementary school track and field athletes who were able to be measured continuously from third to fifth grade were included. The results showed that each of the measures improved with grade level. It was showed a significant correlation to toe grip strength and sprint speed was found in fifth grade (r = 0.80, p = 0.02), and the correlation coefficient tended to increase with grade from third grade (r = 0.47) to fourth grade (r = 0.68) to fifth grade (r = 0.80). These results suggest that toe grip strength may have a stronger effect on sprinting ability as the grade progresses.