Date
8-20-2026
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)
Chair
Eric Sobolewski
Keywords
anthropometry, force-velocity profiling, football, vertical jump, sport performance
Disciplines
Kinesiology | Sports Sciences
Recommended Citation
Despot, Nicholus Adam, "Relationships Between Lower Body Anthropometrics and Vertical Force-Velocity Profiles in Collegiate American Football Players" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8767.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8767
Abstract
The study examined the relationships between lower-body anthropometric characteristics and vertical force-velocity profiles in collegiate American football players. Although the use of force-velocity profiling has increased significantly in recent years, there has been limited research on the association between structural features and key mechanical outputs. A sample of 16 NAIA football players was used to examine how skeletal breadths, girths, and derived ratios relate to key force-velocity metrics. Anthropometric variables were collected using ISAK standards, while force-velocity profiles were obtained through a series of loaded squat jumps on a force platform. Mean propulsive force, velocity and power were used to determine each athlete’s force-velocity profiles. To assess the relationship between the anthropometric variables and the force-velocity profile metrics statistical analyses included: Pearson’s correlation coefficients, simple linear regressions, and one-way ANOVAs. The results demonstrated that anthropometric variables were generally unrelated to measured force-velocity slope and force-velocity imbalance variables. However, there were several significant relationships, particularly with absolute force and power outputs. Anthropometric measurements generally demonstrated stronger relationships with optimal force-velocity profile metrics rather than measured force-velocity profile metrics. Positional analyses suggested that the magnitude and direction of anthropometric-force-velocity relationships may vary by playing position. These findings suggest that lower-body anthropometric characteristics may be associated with certain force-velocity profile metrics, which could have practical applications for athlete monitoring and development.
