The high jump consists of 3 phases: the approach, the takeoff and the flight. Emphasis is placed on the takeoff phase of the high jump because this phase determines the maximum possible height that the jumper's center of mass can travel after the foot leaves the ground. The peak height of the jumper's center of mass is determined by both the vertical velocity at the end of takeoff and the range of motion of the center of mass during the takeoff. To maximize vertical velocity at the end of takeoff, the impulse (the product of vertical force and time the force is exerted) should be as large as possible. In addition, jumpers with greater dynamic strength of the takeoff leg are able to more effectively use faster and lower runups. Strength training programs for high jump athletes are desired to maximize the variables that contribute to jump height. However, limited data exists on Olympic level high jump athletes as these assessments typically require expensive force plate equipment and are not often published. Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to examine biomechanical and physiological changes in a female Olympic high jump athlete during a 13 weeks off-season strength training program. Methods: Biomechanical and body composition testing was performed at the start and end of an off-season strength training program. After completing a self-selected warm-up, the subject performed single leg drop landings, depth jumps and running single leg take-offs from the force-plate. The last testing utilized a method developed by Samozino et al. to develop a force-velocity (F-V) mechanical profile of the subject and identify force or velocity deficits to inform the strength training program development. Testing for this case study was conducted during the transition and preparatory phases of off-season training. During this phase, strength training emphasized strength/hypertrophy and multiple effort power production. Speed training focused on acceleration and movement deficiencies were addressed through corrective exercises. The strength training program was closely monitored and documented. The athlete did not participate in competitions during the time period of this study but did continue to practice high jump technique as instructed by her coach. Results: Testing results are available in Table 1. Specific to high jumping there were notable changes the total impulse for the single leg take-off, take-off velocity and peak power. Conclusions: Assessment of sport-specific performance attributes informed the design of an individualized training program to improve these variables in an Olympic level high jump athlete. Practical Applications: To promote sport-specific adaptations training programs should be individualized based on athlete assessment data as well as biomechanical characteristics of the sport. Furthermore, elite level athletes may benefit to a greater extent from highly specific biomechanical testing relative to their sport requirements.
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