The Relationship Between Leg Muscle Length and 60-Meter Sprint Speed Performance Among Upper-Grade Male Students at Maol State Elementary School, Kefamenanu

Abstract

This study aims to determine the relationship between leg muscle length and 60-meter sprint performance among upper-grade male students at Maol Kefamenanu Public Elementary School. The research is grounded in the importance of anthropometric factors—particularly leg muscle length—in supporting sprint performance among elementary school–aged children. The study employed a quantitative method with a correlational approach. The population consisted of 21 male students, all of whom were included as samples using a total sampling technique. The instruments used were a measuring tape to assess leg muscle length and a 60-meter sprint test to measure running performance. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment correlation formula. The results showed a correlation value of r = –0.842, indicating a very strong negative relationship between leg muscle length and 60-meter sprint time. The calculated t-value (6.70) exceeded the critical t-value (2.093), leading to the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. This indicates that the longer the leg muscles, the faster the students complete the 60-meter sprint. Therefore, it can be concluded that leg muscle length makes a significant contribution to sprint performance. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for physical education teachers in designing training programs that consider students’ physical characteristics and as supporting literature for future research.