Response of vertical jump height in female athletes 10-14 years old to a lower body strength training program
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Abstract
Strength training is safe and effective for children according to a position statement by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (2009). One such effect or benefit can be increased vertical jump ability. Due to methodological inconsistencies, determining whether strength training consistently leads to increased vertical jump has been difficult to do. This randomized study involved a 12-week, two-time per week lower body strength training program for the intervention group, and an upper body strength training program for the control group. A countermovement jump tested at baseline and post-intervention by a blinded observer measured the effect of this training intervention on the vertical jump ability of 10-14 year old athletic females (n=36). The results revealed no significant changes within each group from baseline to post-intervention and no significant differences between each group. It appears that a number of factors may have influenced the results of this study not the least of which was the high baseline ability of the participants. More research using strong methods, a sufficient training stimulus and female children is needed in order to clarify the response of vertical jump to a resistance training intervention.