Optimum Drop Height for Maximizing Power Output in Drop Jump: The Effect of Maximal Muscle Strength

The main purpose of this study was to explore the cause-and-effect relation of maximal muscle strength (MSmax) on the optimum drop height (DHopt) that maximizes power output in drop jump. In total, 30 physically active male students participated in this study, whereas the 16 subjects were selected according to their resistance strength training background (i.e., level of MSmax) and allocated into 2 equal subgroups: strong (n = 8) and weak (n = 8). The main testing session consisted of drop jumps performed from 8 different drop heights (i.e., from 0.12 to 0.82 m). The individual DHopt was determined based on the maximal value power output across applied ranges of drop heights. The tested relationships between DHopt and MSmax were moderate (r = 0.39-0.50, p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the stronger individuals, on average, showed maximal values of power output on the higher drop height compared with the weaker individuals (0.62 vs. 0.32 m). Finally, significant differences in the individual DHopt between groups were detected (p < 0.01). The present findings suggest that drop height should be adjusted based on a subject's neuromuscular capacity to produce MSmax. Hence, from the perspective of strength and conditioning practitioners, MSmax should be considered as an important factor that could affect the DHopt, and therefore should be used for its adjustment in terms of optimizing athlete's testing, training, or rehabilitation intervention.