Using Velocity-Spectrum Squats and Body Composition to Predict Standing Vertical Jump Ability

ABSTRACT Two equations were developed to predict distance in a restricted standing vertical jump (RVJ). Body composition and strength related variables generated via velocity-spectrum squats were obtained on 52 men and 50 women. Eight squat variables at 4 velocities were selected as potential predictors of RVJ performance. These variables along with body weight, body fat, and gender were used to generate two explanatory regressions. R values ranged from 0.80 to 0.83, and SEE ranged from 0.045 to 0.048 meters for the two equations. Variables with a positive relationship to RVJ were relative peak power at each individual's optimal velocity for power production and at 1.43 m · s–1. Variables with a negative relationship were relative peak force and % body fat. It appears that (a) the more relative squatting power a person can generate at moderately fast squatting velocities, the greater the RVJ distance; and (b) excessive body fat and the ability to generate high relative squatting forces at slow velocities attenuate the predicted distance.