Sex Differences in Force, Velocity, and Power Percent Changes During Countermovement Jump Performance Following a...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Investigating sex-based disparities in neuromuscular responses to exercise is crucial for optimizing training.
• Countermovement jump (CMJ) performance is a key indicator of neuromuscular function and athletic capability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze sex differences in countermovement jump (CMJ) force plate metrics and neuromuscular adaptations following a standardized dynamic warm-up.
• To determine if sex influences the response to dynamic warm-up protocols in physically active college students.

Main Methods:

• Forty-one physically active college students (21 males, 20 females) underwent pre- and post-warm-up CMJ assessments using a dual force plate system.
• Body composition was measured, and CMJ performance metrics including force, velocity, and power were recorded.
• Percent change scores were calculated to quantify adaptations to the dynamic warm-up.

Main Results:

• Males exhibited significantly greater improvements in braking force metrics (force at minimum displacement, average braking force, peak braking force) compared to females (p ≤ 0.043).
• No significant sex differences were observed in velocity, power, propulsive force, or other general CMJ performance variables.
• Hierarchical regression indicated sex was a significant predictor of braking force changes, independent of lean body mass.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic warm-ups may elicit greater braking force adaptations in males compared to females.
• These findings suggest potential for sex-specific warm-up strategies to enhance neuromuscular readiness and braking force development.
• Further research could explore the underlying physiological mechanisms driving these sex-based differences in warm-up response.