Importance of Maximal Force for Modulating Landing Forces

ABSTRACT: Lorbeck, Z, Vannatta, CN, Dobbs, WC, Jaime, SJ, Heinert, BL, Baumann, D, and Kernozek, TW. Importance of maximal force for modulating landing forces. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Augmented feedback training with and without a dual-task condition may be effective in improving drop landing performance, but some athletes demonstrate minimal improvement. Strength, power, and low-landing vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) have been identified as factors that mitigate anterior cruciate ligament injury risk, but differences between force production capacity and response to augmented feedback is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of force production and jump performance on the ability to integrate augmented feedback to reduce vGRF during drop landing training. Forty-five female, collegiate athletes completed augmented feedback training to reduce peak vGRF during a jump landing task along with isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance metrics. Pretest vGRF, IMTP peak force, CMJ mean propulsive force, mean braking force, propulsive impulse, braking impulse, and dynamic strength index were considered as potential variables in a multiple regression model to predict percent change in vGRF. Pretest vGRF, CMJ propulsive impulse, CMJ braking impulse, and IMTP peak force were retained in the final model (p < 0.001). Isometric midthigh pull peak force was the unique performance metric predicting change in vGRF following training (R2 = 12%). Greater peak IMTP force may indicate a greater capacity to alter vGRF during drop landings.