The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports

Gizem Akarsu Taşman

doi:10.53434/gbesbd.1830217

The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry and vertical jump performance in female university athletes participating in different team sports (basketball, handball, volleyball). A total of 64 female athletes (basketball: 22, handball: 24, volleyball: 18) enrolled at Mersin University participated in the study. Participants’ body composition, isokinetic knee strength (using a Cybex dynamometer), and vertical jump performance (using a force platform) were measured. Bilateral (Q/Q, H/H) and ipsilateral (H/Q) strength asymmetry percentages were calculated. The findings of the study showed that there were negative significant correlations between bilateral quadriceps (Q/Q) and hamstring (H/H) strength asymmetry and vertical jump performance in all three sports. As the strength difference between muscle groups increased, jump height decreased. In contrast, a positive significant relationship was found between the ipsilateral hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) strength ratio and jump performance. Fisher’s z-transformation analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the magnitude of these relationships among the three sports (p>0.05). In conclusion, this study supports the notion that lower extremity strength asymmetries have the potential to negatively impact performance parameters requiring explosive strength, such as vertical jump. Coaches and sports practitioners are advised to regularly assess athletes for strength asymmetries and H/Q ratios and to include exercises in training programs aimed at correcting these imbalances in order to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study was ethically approved by the Mersin University Sports Sciences Ethics Committee with decision number 067, dated 18/11/2024.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Exercise Physiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Gizem Akarsu Taşman ^*
0000-0002-5027-2050
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 30, 2026

Submission Date

November 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 28, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 31 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1830217

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA94WP55LY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Akarsu Taşman, G. (2026). The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 31(1), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1830217

AMA

1.Akarsu Taşman G. The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports. Gazi JPESS. 2026;31(1):22-29. doi:10.53434/gbesbd.1830217

Chicago

Akarsu Taşman, Gizem. 2026. “The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports”. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences 31 (1): 22-29. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1830217.

EndNote

Akarsu Taşman G (March 1, 2026) The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences 31 1 22–29.

IEEE

[1]G. Akarsu Taşman, “The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports”, Gazi JPESS, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 22–29, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.53434/gbesbd.1830217.

ISNAD

Akarsu Taşman, Gizem. “The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports”. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences 31/1 (March 1, 2026): 22-29. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1830217.

JAMA

1.Akarsu Taşman G. The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports. Gazi JPESS. 2026;31:22–29.

MLA

Akarsu Taşman, Gizem. “The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports”. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, vol. 31, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 22-29, doi:10.53434/gbesbd.1830217.

Vancouver

1.Gizem Akarsu Taşman. The Relationship Between Lower Extremity Strength Asymmetry and Vertical Jump Performance: A Study on Female University Students in Different Sports. Gazi JPESS. 2026 Mar. 1;31(1):22-9. doi:10.53434/gbesbd.1830217