Sex-Specific Patterns of Force Plate–Derived Predictors for Vertical Jump Performance and Musculoskeletal Injury Risk in College Athletes

Background Force plate–derived measures are increasingly used to assess performance and monitor musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk, yet the mechanisms connecting jump-mechanics patterns to injury risk remain unclear, particularly when using proprietary, algorithmically derived risk scores. Clarifying these relationships is important for improving screening practices, training design, and load management in athletic populations. Methods A total of 233 collegiate athletes completed countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) testing on a commercial force plate that produced 26 force-time variables and proprietary composite metrics. LASSO regression identified influential predictors of CMVJ height and MSKI risk, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) models characterized multivariate patterns across performance-, control-, and stability-related variables. Sex-stratified analyses and post-hoc modeling examined potential mechanisms. Results Higher MSKI risk was associated with a coordinated pattern of greater concentric output, including higher power, velocity, and impulse, combined with reduced braking capacity. Braking rate of force development (Load) showed a strong inverse association with MSKI risk across sexes, and females in the elevated-risk category displayed significantly lower braking values. Postural control measures contributed differently by sex. PLS models indicated that both CMVJ height and MSKI risk reflected interactions among multiple variables, while proprietary composite scores showed inconsistent alignment with mechanistic predictors. Conclusion Multivariate force-time profiling offers practical value for identifying athletes whose high-output movement strategies may elevate injury risk when braking control is insufficient. Because proprietary, algorithmically derived risk metrics show inconsistent associations with underlying mechanics, further independent validation is needed before such scores are used in clinical or training decisions.