Abstract
Introduction: physical inactivity among young people is a global issue that affects both functional performance and health. The vertical jump is a sensitive indicator of neuromuscular power, and its relationship with segmental anthropometry remains not fully elucidated. Objective: to analyze the effect of trochanter-toe length on the maximum height achieved in three vertical jump modalities (Squat Jump, Countermovement Jump, and Abalakov) in young adults. Methods: observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study with repeated measures in 216 observations (three per subject). A linear mixed model was used to estimate the relationship between trochanter-toe length and jump height, considering the interaction with jump type and adjusting for height, age, and physical activity level. Results: trochanter-toe length showed a significant negative effect on jump height (p = 0.009), more pronounced in SJ (β = −0.74 cm/SD) than in CMJ (β = −0.58) and ABK (β = −0.46). The Abalakov jump achieved the highest adjusted height (34.5 cm), followed by CMJ (30.0 cm) and SJ (23.1 cm). Height and a high level of physical activity were positively associated with performance (p < 0.01), while age was not significant. Conclusions: the distal length of the lower limb negatively influences jump height, with an impact dependent on the modality. Arm swing mitigates this disadvantage, suggesting practical implications for training individualization and functional interpretation in young adults.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Daniel Alba Ospina, Maria Alejandra L´ópez Ríos, Jesus Eduardo Marulanda

