October 2013; Vol. 2, No. 2: Pages 33-37

Influence of body composition on selected jump performance measures in collegiate female athletes

Christopher J. MacDonald, Mike Israetel, Nicole C. Dabbs, Harish Chander, Charles R. Allen, Hugh S. Lamont, John C. Garner

Abstract

Objectives: The monitoring of physical characteristics of athletes is important as it serves to provide valuable information to researchers, coaches, and athletes. The purpose of this work was to identify relationships between body composition and jump performance in collegiate female athletes. Design: Cross sectional study design with comparisons of relationships. Methods: Twenty one female collegiate athletes completed testing (Soccer (n = 10): 19.6±1.3 yrs; 165.9±4.8 cm; 63.7±8.7 kg; Volleyball (n = 6): 19.8±1.0 yrs; 179.9±5.1 cm; 76.1±14.1 kg; and Dance (n = 5): 20.3±1.8 yrs; 163.4±6.3 cm; 56.8±6.4 kg). Testing included: dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans; static jumps (SJ); countermovement jumps (CMJ); and depth jumps (DJ). Data was assessed via Pearson product-moment correlation matrix with two-tailed tests of significance at α level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Jump modalities related to one another and %FM and body composition were strong predictors of jump performance. Additionally, jumping metrics reflected the chosen sport participation of the athletes. Conclusions: Disciplines greater in reliance upon stretch shortening cycle (SSC) utilization (Volleyball) had more and stronger correlations with CMJ and DJ, whereas Soccer and Dance athletes had more and stronger relationships to SJ, as they rely less on a reactive component (than Volleyball) and more on ultimate force production over time.

Received September 18, 2013; accepted October 24, 2013

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