People who do CrossFit might jump a little higher than weightlifters, but the difference is so small it could just be random chance.
Scientific Claim
Among experienced male practitioners, functional fitness training is associated with higher jump height than strength training, though this difference does not reach statistical significance, suggesting a possible but unconfirmed trend toward superior explosive performance in FFT.
Original Statement
“Jump height was higher (p = 0.003) for the FFT group (53.5 ± 2.4 cm) compared to the control group (45.7 ± 3.6 cm), and did not differ in relation to the ST group (50.8 ± 5.7 cm; p = 0.058).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
overstated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The authors state 'there are indications that those of FFT perform better' — this is speculative. The p-value is not significant, and the claim must reflect uncertainty.
Gold Standard Evidence Needed
According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.
Randomized Controlled TrialLevel 1bWhether FFT causes greater improvements in jump height than ST in matched populations.
Whether FFT causes greater improvements in jump height than ST in matched populations.
What This Would Prove
Whether FFT causes greater improvements in jump height than ST in matched populations.
Ideal Study Design
A 12-week RCT of 100 trained men (≥2 years experience) randomized to continue FFT or switch to ST, with jump height measured via force plate before and after, controlling for training volume and recovery.
Limitation: Cannot isolate psychological or technique factors influencing jump performance.
Prospective Cohort StudyLevel 2bWhether FFT practitioners consistently outperform ST practitioners in jump height over time.
Whether FFT practitioners consistently outperform ST practitioners in jump height over time.
What This Would Prove
Whether FFT practitioners consistently outperform ST practitioners in jump height over time.
Ideal Study Design
A 3-year cohort tracking 150 experienced FFT and ST practitioners with quarterly jump height testing, adjusting for training volume, technique coaching, and body composition.
Limitation: Cannot prove causation due to self-selection bias.
Case-Control StudyLevel 3Whether high jumpers are more likely to have trained in FFT than ST.
Whether high jumpers are more likely to have trained in FFT than ST.
What This Would Prove
Whether high jumpers are more likely to have trained in FFT than ST.
Ideal Study Design
A case-control study comparing 50 elite jumpers (≥50 cm vertical) with 50 matched non-elite athletes, assessing their primary training modality history over 5+ years.
Limitation: Retrospective recall bias and confounding by sport-specific training.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study found that guys who do functional fitness training jumped a little higher than those who do regular strength training, but not high enough to say it’s definitely better — just a hint that it might be. This matches the claim perfectly.