Isometric and dynamic strength and neuromuscular attributes as predictors of vertical jump performance in 11‒13 year-old male athletes

In explosive contractions, neural activation is a major factor in determining the rate of torque development, while the latter is an important determinant of jump performance. However, the contribution of neuromuscular activation and rate of torque development to jump performance in children and youth is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between the rate of neuromuscular activation, peak torque, rate of torque development, and jump performance in young male athletes. METHODS: Forty-one 12.5±0.5-year-old male soccer players completed explosive, unilateral isometric and dynamic (240º/s) knee extensions (Biodex System III), as well as counter-movement-, squat-, and drop-jumps. Peak torque (pT), peak rate of torque development (pRTD) and rate of vastus lateralis activation (Q30) during the isometric and dynamic contractions were examined in relation to attained jump heights. RESULTS: Isometric pT and pRTD were strongly correlated (r=0.71) but not related to jump performance. Dynamic pT and pRTD, normalized to body mass, were significantly related to jump height in all three jumps (r=0.38‒0.66, pThe accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author