Correlation analysis between jump performance and dynamometer measures

BACKGROUND: Measuring lower limb strength is crucial in order to evaluate training and prevention programs. The purpose of this study is to explore a possible relationship between maximal isometric lower limb strength and jump performance. METHODS: Thirty healthy active subjects (33% females) participated in this cross-sectional correlation study. It was carried out on a functional anatomy laboratory. Maximal isometric strength tests of twelve lower limb movements and a countermovement jump. Isometric strength measured by a hand-held dynamometer and a countermovement jump measured by a mobile application. Moreover, a total maximal isometric strength was calculated as an average of all dynamometer measures. RESULTS: Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine a possible correlation between all dynamometer measures and jump performance. Level of significance was set at alpha=0.05. All dynamometer measures were significantly correlated with jump performance (P<0.05; R-2=0.66). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a high correlation between maximal isometric measures and jump performance. The use of a mobile application is cheaper, quicker, and easier than the use of a hand-held dynamometer. Results from this study support the use of a mobile application as a good tool to measure the strength capacity of the lower limb.