(12) IS VERTICAL JUMP HEIGHT AND POWER IMPACTED ACROSS DIFFERENT PORTIONS OF A TRAINING SEASON FOR FEMALE COLLEGIATE ROWERS?

Power production is a crucial part of effective performance in high-level athletes. Proper training is essential to produce peak production for competitive periods. However, there is a need to assess power across different phases of training to ensure the training program is the most effective for increasing maximum wattage output.

Purpose: To analyze squat jump (SJ) performance, specifically, vertical jump height (VJH), average power (AP), and peak power (PP) during different training cycles of the athletes’ sport-specific season.

Methods: Sixteen division II collegiate female rowing athletes SJ’s were tested during two different training cycles (Off-season and Pre-season). A jumping mat was used to measure vertical jump height, and a linear transducer was used to assess power variables. Three squat jumps were performed with hands on hips, and the highest VJH was used for data analysis. All SJ’s were performed at 110-degree knee flexion, no countermovement was allowed.

Results: There was a significant difference in VJH (P = 0.018), however no significant difference were observed for AP (P = 0.119), and PP (P = 0.340) between the seasons.

Conclusion: Interestingly, VJH increased across the seasons, while no change was observed in peak or average power output. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Analysis of power production across different training periods can be a valuable tool to assess proper training for sport-specific athletes. While vertical jump height can change between seasons, a greater understanding of power production throughout training blocks could help to further the performance of athletes in all training seasons to ensure power production is peaked at the appropriate time.


Acknowledgements: None.