Background of Study: Associations between measures of body composition and vertical jump height have previously been established using a range of instrumentation and prediction equations. Limited data has presented using gold standard measurements for both variables Objective: This investigation sought to examination the relationship between total body and lower extremity measures of body composition and vertical jump performance using gold standard measurements within an athletic population. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, correlational research design fourteen collegiate female volleyball athletes completed body composition, three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) analysis using DXA and force platforms. Results: High to very high positive relationships were seen between total body lean (p < 0.001) and fat mass (p < 0.05), lower extremity lean and fat mass (p < 0.01), and CMJ force and power. High negative relationships were present between total body fat percentage(p < 0.05), total fat mass (p < 0.01) and CMJ jump height. Relationships between all body composition variables and SJ performance tended to be weaker, with the exception of total body lean mass (p < 0.05), lower extremity lean mass, and power output (p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings support much of the previous literature in that increases of mass have subsequent increases in force and power production; however caution should be taken will increases in mass coming from fat or lean tissue.

As with most structured training programs to enhance performance, a reduction in resistance training volume is seen during competitive periods and an emphasis is placed on technical and tactical training. For that reason, it is important to know where priorities should be placed during times of reduced physical preparation training and if the sport itself allows for the maintenance of neuromuscular qualities.Objective: Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in strength and jump testing over a competitive period of 10 weeks.Methods: 11 male NCAA Division I completed this investigation. Each participant was tested before and after the competitive fall season. Testing consisted of countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull. Paired samples t-tests were used to determine if statistical differences were present between testing sessions.Results: Significant increases in jump height (p = 0.002) and RSIm (p = 0.013) were seen in the post competitive season jump testing. Force at each time epoch was significantly reduced from pre to post-testing (p < 0.001 at each time epoch). Conclusion:Performing countless repetitions of the golf swing during the competitive season provided a stimulus sufficient to maintain dynamic task performance. The results of this investigation point to the need for practitioners to take a complete examination of variables when analyzing performance testing. When taking into account the entirety of the test, reductions in force at task-relevant time epochs would lead to more precise programming to address needs.

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