The Relationship between Vertical Power and Bone Mineral Content in College-Aged Women

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Peak and mean power assessed, by a vertical jump, has been shown to be a strong predictor of bone mineral content (BMC) in children and adolescents. However, this relationship has not been demonstrated in young women. PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between vertical power and BMC in college-aged women. METHODS: Body composition and BMC was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 77 women (age: 20.9 ± 2.2 years, height: 163.3 ± 12.7 cm, body mass: 60.9 ± 8.5 kg). Peak and mean vertical power was determined using a VertecTM scale and was calculated by the Sayers and Lewis equations, respectively. RESULTS: Peak and mean vertical power were 3109 ± 521 Watts and 841 ± 125 Watts, respectively. Relationships were observed between BMC and peak vertical power (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) as well as mean vertical power (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression (r = 0.63, p < 0.001) resulted in the following equation: BMC = 0.436 - (0.00107 * Peak Power) + (0.00635 * Mean Power). Additionally, a strong relationship was observed between body mass and BMC (r = 0.75, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that 40% of the variability of BMC in college-aged women can be predicted by peak and mean vertical power. These findings support the use of an assessment of vertical power as a predictor of bone strength in young women. We recommend that college-aged women with a goal to improve BMC perform plyometric types of activities that involve jumping and rebounding.