Simulating the Independent Effects of Muscle Fiber Type Composition on Vertical Jumping Performance

The fiber type composition of human limb muscles is believed to influence explosive movement ability. Indirect evidence is found in data from power athletes, who tend to have a greater percentage of fast twitch (FT) muscle fibers, and a lower percentage of slow twitch (ST) fibers, than endurance athletes [e.g., 1]. The apparent advantage of having a high proportion of FT fibers in explosive activities is reinforced by the existence of significant positive correlations between the percentage of FT fibers and jump height [e.g., 2].