An interesting study was published in this months JSCR. The study examined lower body dimensions and body composition and their effects on jump height.
What did the authors do?[1]
- Took 25 men and 25 women and took a bunch of body dimensions and took their body fat and body weight
- Some of the dimensions measured included: Q-angle (quadriceps angle), hip width, lower limb lengths, foot dimensions, body fat, height, and body weight
What were the results?[1]
- Body fat % explained more variability in jump height than any other variable
- Body fat % explained 57% of the variance in jump height
- Body fat % + body weight or sex explained the greatest amount of variability
- Body fat % + body weight or sex explained 66% of the variability in jump height
- Body fat % is negatively associated with jump height due to the added weight without additional force production (fat doesn’t help you move!)
- Increasing lean mass (body weight) can help you jump higher as long as there is a balance between muscle and fat gain.
Summary: Focusing on body re-composition can be a very effective tool in improving jump height.
- Caia, Johnpaul, Lawrence W. Weiss, Loren Z.f. Chiu, Brian K. Schilling, Max R. Paquette, and George E. Relyea. “Do Lower-Body Dimensions and Body Composition Explain Vertical Jump Ability?” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 30.11 (2016): 3073-083. NSCA.
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