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

Year 2026, Volume: 31 Issue: 1 , 22 - 29 , 30.03.2026

Gizem Akarsu Taşman

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

https://izlik.org/JA94WP55LY

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

Strength asymmetry , Bilateral , Ipsilateral , Vertical jump , University athletes

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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