Vertical Jump Performance as a Functional Indicator of Bone Health in Older Adults.

Huang, H, Liu, Z, Leng, B, Ge, X, Tang, C, He, Y, Sun, J, and Zhang, C. Vertical jump performance as a functional indicator of bone health in older adults. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Mechanical loading generated during dynamic lower-limb tasks is believed to be critical for skeletal maintenance, but the relative importance of different vertical jump performance metrics for bone health has not been established. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the relationship between vertical jump performance and bone health in community-dwelling older adults. Sixty healthy older adults (17 men) completed countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) assessments, from which phase-specific power and net impulse metrics normalized to body weight, and stretch-shortening cycle utilization were calculated. Bone outcomes including intertrochanteric (IT) geometry, strength indices, and hip and spine bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Associations were examined using covariate-adjusted linear regression models. Higher CMJ propulsive impulse was positively associated with IT cross-sectional area (standardized β = 0.219, p = 0.033) and cross-sectional moment of inertia (standardized β = 0.194, p = 0.022). Countermovement jump and SJ propulsive impulse, SJ and CMJ peak propulsive power all showed positive associations with IT section modulus (standardized β range 0.195-0.240, all p < 0.05). No jump performance metrics were associated with buckling ratio or hip or spine BMD (all p > 0.05). Stretch-shortening cycle utilization was not associated with any bone outcomes (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, in older adults, vertical jump performance metrics, particularly CMJ propulsive impulse, are associated with hip bone geometry and strength. These findings suggest CMJ assessment may serve as a practical functional indicator reflecting mechanical loading relevant to hip bone strength.