The relationship between grip strength, back strength and performance in vertical and standing long jump in athletes

Background Muscular strength and explosive power are essential for athletic performance, particularly in jumping tasks. Grip and back strength indicate upper body and trunk capacities, but their influence on vertical and standing long jump performance in diverse athletes is underexplored. Objective This study examines the relationship between grip strength, back strength, and performance in vertical and standing long jumps, focusing on variations by gender and sport type. Methods A cross-sectional study included 1162 athletes (725 males, 437 females). Grip and back strength were assessed using standardized devices, while vertical and standing long jump tests evaluated jumping performance. Relative strength metrics were calculated using BMI. Multivariate regression analyses adjusted for age and lean body mass. Results Relative strength showed stronger correlations with jumping performance than absolute strength. Among males, back strength had a greater impact on vertical jump height, while grip strength was more significant for females. Sport type also influenced these relationships: grip strength was critical in ball and racket sports, whereas back strength played a larger role in non-ball sports. Conclusions The findings of this study may serve as key predictors for jumping performance, with gender- and sport-specific variations.