(48) Classifying Isometric Strength Characteristics with Static and Countermovement Jumps Amongst Various NCAA Division I Teams

Background: Extensive literature exists detailing the strength and power characteristics of various sports. Although comprehensive, there is an absence of information detailing the strength and power characteristics of NCAA D I athletes.

Purpose: To highlight a potential relationship between isometric strength characteristics and loaded and unloaded static and countermovement jumps in D I athletes.

Methods: Subjects: 92 NCAA Division I males (weight: 83.81 ± 13.77) and 82 NCAA Division I females (weight: 67.96 ± 9.62) participated in this study. The sports of the male subjects were baseball (n=37), men’s swimming & diving (n=26), and wrestling (n=29). The respective sports of the female athletes were gymnastics (n=16), rowing (n=28), women’s swimming (n=22), and women’s track & field (n=16). This study was granted approval by West Virginia University’s Institutional Review Board (#2111463309). Methodology: Force-plate technology was used to measure isometric force-time characteristics using the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) and to measure jump height. SJ and CMJ jump heights were both measured with loaded (20kg) and unloaded (bodyweight) weights. Statistical Analysis: A Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was conducted to assess the relationship between force-time variables of interest and jump height at various loads in two different types of jumps. Additional analyses comparing strongest to the weakest athletes using isometric strength data and jump height data were conducted. Differences in mean isometric strength data and mean jump height data between groups for male and female athletes were determined by two-tailed independent samples t-tests.

Results: The results of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient indicate that for males, there were small to moderate correlations seen between IPF and 0kg CMJ (r = 0.22), 20kg CMJ (r = 0.32), 0kg SJ (r = 0.33), and 20kg SJ (r = 0.44). Similar results were seen between RFD and 0kg CMJ (r = 0.32), 20kg CMJ (r = 0.39), 0kg SJ (r = 0.4), and 20kg SJ (r =0.46).  For females, the results of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient indicate that there were no statistically significant relationships between IPF and jumps (p > .05). However, small to moderate correlations were seen between RFD and 0kg CMJ (r = 0.24), 20kg CMJ (r = 0.29), and 20kg SJ (r = 0.32). Stronger correlations can be seen when allometrically scaled RFD is compared to 0kg CMJ (r = 0.31), 20kg CMJ (r = 0.31), 0kg SJ (r = 0.3), and 20kg SJ (r = 0.35). The results of the independent t-test indicate that for males there were no significant differences between strong and weak groups in 20kg CMJ, 0kg SJ, and 20kg SJ (p > .05). However, there were significant differences between groups in 0kg CMJ (p < .05). For females, there was a significant difference between strong and weak groups in 0kg CMJ, 20kg CMJ, and 20kg SJ (p < .05)

Conclusions: Male athletes showcase a stronger influence of peak force production and force-time characteristics on CMJ and SJ, both 0kg and 20kg. For females, the relationship is more complex, demonstrating significance when RFD is allometrically scaled and accounting for differences in strength levels between the subjects. Practical applications: Considering the relationship between IPF, RFD, and measures of explosiveness, athletes could benefit from including a comprehensive strength program in their training. This effect is largely due to the influence of maximal and explosive strength on sport-specific tasks.

Acknowledgements: None