The Comparison of Vertical Jump Height Between Gender and Body Fat Percentage

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vertical jump height is seen as a muscle performance test that indicates power and force production. It is a kinematic measure used to determine the differences between males and females based on their frontal plane hip angle. Along with different hip angles, males also have greater leg girths than females that could be an anthropometric measurement that influences power production. Males generally have a greater vertical jump height than females with arm swing because of their upper body strength, which influences power production. This is an important factor when determining training program and types of exercises because males and females respond to types of jumps differently. PURPOSE: The purpose of this research study is to determine if gender or body fat percentage has a greater impact on vertical jump height. METHODS: Seven men (M: age 20.57 ± 1.51 yrs) and seven women (F: age 21.43 ± 1.62 yrs) with no previous training in vertical jump volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject had demographic variables, skinfolds, and one repetition maximum leg extension measured before the test started. Then each subject was instructed to jump once with their hands on their hips on the force plate in the Biomechanics Laboratory and once with their natural arm movement. RESULTS: The results revealed that males naturally have a lower body fat percentage (M: 15.11 ± 2.73% versus F: 21.63 ± 1.95%), and greater vertical jump height (M: 39.32 ± 7.29 cm versus F: 21.75 ± 4.69cm), force (M: 1717.35 ±1 74.9 N versus F: 1075.29 ± 214.94 N), and power production (M: 24.5.5 ± 339.39W versus F: 1071 ± 163.37 W). This difference in variables showed a significant difference, p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The main results showed that males have a higher vertical jump than females due to variables, such as lower body fat percentage, greater leg strength, and greater force and power production. The results showed no real significance for females between body fat percentage and jump height (p>0.05), but significance was seen in males. Analysis of the results revealed that males naturally have a higher vertical jump, leg strength, and force and power production than females.