Countermovement jump as a predictor of in-match mechanical workload in NCAA division I Women's Volleyball athletes

Monitoring neuromuscular readiness and mechanical workload is essential for managing performance and fatigue in jump-dominant sports such as volleyball. The purpose of this study was to examine whether countermovement jump (CMJ) performance collected early in the training week predicted subsequent in-game workload metrics in NCAA Division I women's volleyball athletes. Twelve athletes wore a validated inertial measurement device throughout the competitive season and completed weekly CMJ testing on dual force plates. Early-week CMJ performance was not significantly associated with high-intensity jumps, energy expenditure, or total jump counts during subsequent matches after accounting for number of sets played. Similarly, CMJ jump height, RSI-modified, and absolute and relative peak power were not generally associated with in-match hard landings. Absolute peak power demonstrated a significant positive association with hard landings (p = .046). Number of sets played was significantly associated with in-game workload metrics across all CMJ variables, indicating that match exposure consistently influenced accumulated workload. Neither CMJ performance nor match workload changed significantly across the season. These findings suggest that early-week CMJ performance alone may not broadly explain subsequent in-match workload but may provide complementary information regarding neuromuscular performance and readiness. Integrating CMJ assessment with wearable workload monitoring may support in-season athlete management.