Influence of Training Background on Jumping Height

Abstract

Jumping height is influenced by both muscle force production and motor control strategy. Power athletes should optimize both to achieve greater jumping heights. PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate if rate of force development is responsible for higher jumping ability in power trained athletes when compared to strength trained and physically active subjects. METHODS: Twenty seven healthy male subjects with distinct training backgrounds were divided into three groups (age 24.5 ±4.3 years, height 178.7± 15.2 cm, and weight 81.9 ± 12.7 kg). Power track athletes (PT, n=10) with international experience. Strength trained athletes (ST, n=7) with experience in bodybuilding type strength training. Physically active subjects (PA, n=10). Subjects performed an 1-RM leg-press test and five countermovement jumps with no instructions regarding jumping technique. RESULTS: Power athletes (PT) group jumped higher than ST and PA groups (p <0.05). Difference in jumping height was not produced by higher rates of force development (RFD). Instead, PT group had greater center of mass excursion (p <0.05) than the other two groups. The PT and ST groups had a high correlation between jumping height and 1-RM test (r =.93 and r =.89, p <0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION The RFD does not seem to be relevant to achieve maximum jumping heights when there is no time constraint to execute the jump.