Estimation of maximum lower limb muscle strength from vertical jumps

Determining the one-repetition maximum (1RM) is crucial for organizing training loads, but it also is time-consuming, physically demanding, and poses a risk of injury. Vertical jumps are a less demanding and well-established method to test the ability of the lower limbs to generate great forces over a short time, which may allow for the estimation of 1RM in squatting. The purpose of this study was to develop a model for estimating 1RM back squat from ground reaction forces during vertical jumps. Thirteen healthy participants completed a 1RM back squat test, countermovement jumps, and squat jumps. Five kinematic and kinetic variables (e.g., peak and mean power, relative net impulse, jump height, and peak kinetic energy during various phases) were derived from ground reaction forces collected via a Kistler force plate (1000 Hz). Five out of 5 variables correlated with 1RM in countermovement jump and squat jump (ICC =.96–.98, r =.88–.95, p <.001 and ICC =.97–.99, r =.76–.90, p <.05, respectively). The most accurate stepwise regression model (adjusted R² =.90, SEE = 13.24 kg, mean error = 7.4% of mean 1RM_m, p <.001) estimated 1RM back squat based on peak kinetic energy during countermovement jumps. Estimation errors ranged from 7.4% to 10.7% of mean measured 1RM, with no differences between estimated and measured values (d < 0.01, p =.96–1.00). Estimating 1RM via jump tests may offer a practical alternative to traditional methods, reducing injury risks, testing intervals, and effort. Our study proposes a new possible approach for estimating 1RM back squat from jump forces, providing coaches and sports professionals with a more efficient tool to monitor and adjust training loads.