Relationships between rapid isometric torque characteristics and vertical jump performance in Division I collegiate American football players: Influence of body mass normalization
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Volume
27
Issue
10
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Publication Date
10-1-2013
First Page
2327
Last Page
2742
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between absolute and body mass-normalized rapid isometric torque variables and vertical jump (VJ) performance of the leg extensors and flexors in elite National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision collegiate American football players. Thirty-one players performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the leg extensor and flexor muscle groups and a countermovement VJ. Rate of torque development (RTD) and the contractile impulse (IMPULSE) were determined from 0 to 30, 0 to 50, 0 to 100, and 0 to 200 milliseconds from the onset of muscular contraction. The relationships between absolute and normalized rapid torque variables and VJ performance were assessed using correlation coefficients (r). There were no significant correlations (p . 0.05) observed between the absolute rapid torque variables and VJ performance, except for leg flexion RTD at 0-200 milliseconds (p = 0.024). All normalized rapid torque variables of the leg extensors and flexors were significantly correlated to VJ performance (p # 0.001-0.026). These findings indicated that normalizing rapid torque variables to body mass improves the relationships between isometric rapid torque variables and VJ performance and normalized leg extension and flexion are both similarly related to VJ performance. Strength and conditioning professionals may use these findings in an attempt to identify and monitor dynamic sport performance. Furthermore, future studies examining the relationship between dynamic on the field performances and laboratory-based isometric strength testing may consider including normalized rapid torque variables.
Recommended Citation
Thompson, B.J., Ryan, E.D., Sobolewski, E.J., Smith, D.B., Conchola, E.C., Akehi, K. and Buckminster, T. (2013). Relationships between rapid isometric torque characteristics and vertical jump performance in Division I collegiate American football players: Influence of body mass normalization. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27: 2737-2742.
