Analyzing The Impact Of Body Composition On Vertical Jump Performance In Collegiate Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

The vertical jump (VJ) test is often used in sport and recreational performance sectors. Prior studies have examined the effects that anthropometric and body composition values have on VJ performance in no less than averagely fit populations. Yet, it appears that no study has evaluated the relationship between body fat percentage (BF), body mass index (BMI), lean leg mass (LLM), and trunk lean mass (TLM) on VJ performance using collegiate female volleyball players. PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between BF%, BMI, LLM, and TLM on VJ performance in collegiate female volleyball players. METHODS: After having descriptive data recorded, 12 female collegiate volleyball players had their BF%, BMI, LLM, and TLM assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Subjects had their reach height measured, participated in an 8 min dynamic warm-up, were then given a 4 min passive recovery (PR) period after the warmup, and then completed three familiarization jumps (ie. trials) using a VJ measurement device. After another 4 min PR period, subjects completed one series of six jumps with 30 secs of PR between each jump. Pearson Correlations were then performed between BF%, BMI, LLM, TLM, and VJ (ie. the highest of the six jumps) with significance differences determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A non-significant low negative correlation existed between BF% and VJ (r = -0.350, p = 0.132), yet a non-significant low correlation occurred between BMI and VJ (r = 0.371, p = 0.117), TLM and VJ (r = 0.265, p = 0.202), and LLM and VJ (r = 0.372, p = 0.117). CONCLUSIONS: BF% appears to have a low negative relationship with VJ performance in collegiate female volleyball players, while TLM, BMI, and LLM have a low relationship with VJ performance. Having a lower BF% may not necessarily predict higher jumping performance in collegiate female volleyball players. Further research may be required to determine if gender, fitness level, or a different type of body fat percentage measurement technique may play a factor when considering if BMI, BF%, LLM, and TLM have a relationship with VJ performance in athletes who specialize in sports with repetitive jumping movements.