Importance of toe flexor strength in vertical jump performance

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Human Movement

Background:

• Vertical jump performance is critical in many sports.
• Factors influencing jump height are extensively studied.
• The role of intrinsic foot muscles, specifically toe flexors, remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between toe flexor strength and foot arch height with force generation during the ground contact phase of vertical jumps.
• To determine if these intrinsic foot characteristics predict vertical jump performance.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-one healthy young men participated.
• Toe flexor strength was measured using a toe grip dynamometer, assessing maximum isometric force (Fmax) and rate of force development (RFD).
• Vertical jumps (squat, countermovement, rebound) were performed on a force plate to analyze jump height and ground reaction forces.

Main Results:

• Toe flexor strength (Fmax, normalized Fmax, and RFD) showed significant positive correlations with vertical jump height across all jump types.
• Foot arch height was not correlated with vertical jump performance.
• Foot arch height was only correlated with the minimum ground reaction force during the unloading phase of the countermovement jump.

Conclusions:

• Toe flexor strength is a key determinant of vertical jump performance.
• Interventions aimed at improving toe flexor strength may enhance jumping ability.
• Foot arch height does not appear to be a significant predictor of vertical jump height.