Alex Woster (Medicine) presented his study "Sensitivity and Specificity of Sex for Detecting Differences in Depth Jumps Performed by NCAA Athletes" at the 26th Annual Graduate & Professional Student Research Forum at UNLV.

Collaborating with Talin Louder, Brennan J. Thompson, and Eadric Bressel from Utah State University, the team highlighted significant sex-based differences in depth jump (DJ) performance—an exercise crucial for evaluating athletic ability, rehabilitation potential, and injury prevention. The research involved 47 NCAA athletes and young adults, using advanced force measurement and videography to analyze DJ impact forces from various heights. Findings revealed men outperform women in reactive strength and rebound heights, with young adult women showing a notable decrease in peak force. The study also assessed these metrics' ability to differentiate between sexes, uncovering varied results influenced by participant backgrounds and jump heights. These insights encourage kinesiology studies focused on customized training and rehabilitation, recognizing sex-based performance differences. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of biomechanical dynamics in sports and reinforces a commitment to advancing kinesiology practices. Integrating these findings, the research advocates for enhancing athletic performance and injury prevention, showcasing dedication to innovation in medical and kinesiology research.