Correlating anthropometric parameters with lower limb muscle strength: on the example of female volleyball players

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anthropometric parameters, strength of the muscles of the lower limbs, and jump height among women volleyball players, with a focus on anthropometric parameters. Material and methods: Thirty-two university-level women volleyball players aged 18 to 25 years participated in the study. Height, weight, arm span, body mass index (BMI), and lower limb muscle strength were measured using standard anthropometric techniques and specialized equipment. Regression modeling and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to examine the associations between anthropometric parameters and lower limb muscle strength. Results: The regression analysis revealed significant associations between weight and BMI with lower limb muscle strength, indicating a positive relationship with weight and a negative relationship with BMI. However, height and arm span did not show significant correlations with lower limb muscle strength. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed strong positive correlations between height, weight, arm span, and lower limb muscle strength. Conclusions: This study challenges the conventional emphasis on height alone in assessing athletic performance in women's volleyball. It highlights the significant roles played by weight and BMI in predicting lower limb muscle strength and jump height, suggesting that players with greater body mass tend to achieve greater vertical displacement during jumps. These findings underscore the importance of considering a holistic array of anthropometric parameters, lower limb muscle strength, in talent identification and training program design in women's volleyball.