Sex-specific associations between joint-specific isometric strength and jump performance in high-performance athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17398/1885-7019.22.301Keywords:
sport performance, jump test, isometric strength, dynamometry, sexAbstract
This study aimed to analyze how isometric strength in lower limb joints correlates with neuromuscular performance and to establish sex-specific reference values. A total of 99 high-performance athletes participated. Jump heights were measured in squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ), alongside isometric strength in lower limb muscles. Results revealed significant sex differences (p<0.001) in jump height, with CMJ presenting the highest values in both groups. Males exhibited greater relative strength in hip adduction, external rotation, extension, flexion, and knee flexion. Correlations showed that in females, knee extensor strength had the highest association with all jumps (p<0.01; r=0.475-0.589), together with knee flexors, plantar flexors and ankle dorsal flexors in the three jumps, hip extensors in DJ and hip flexors in CMJ and DJ (p<0.05; r=0.377-0.531). In males athletes, there is a lower correlation, only highlighting hip external rotators in the 3 jumps, hip internal rotators in CMJ, hip extensors in CMJ and DJ, ankle plantar flexors in SJ and CMJ and ankle dorsal flexors in DJ (p<0.05; r=0.253-0.318). These data allow us to individualise physical preparation according to gender, as well as to emphasise strength work on specific muscle groups in order to optimise the athlete's performance.
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