Intersegmental dynamics of the lower limb in vertical jumps

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in intersegmental dynamics of the lower limb at the instant of push-off in vertical jumps. Using a mathematical model including dynamic equations, the net joint moment (NET) was decomposed into a muscle moment (MUS), gravitational moment, and interaction moment (INT) in terms of joint acceleration and velocity. Ten subjects performed two submaximal jumps(60% and 80% of maximal height) and one maximal jump. Results showed that the hip and ankle joints mainly utilized MUS to generate NET at the push-off instant, while the knee joint primarily used INT at the instant of push-off. The hip MUS increased with increasing jump height because the deep countermovement (larger flexion angle of hip and knee joint at the push-off instant) in maximal jump was a disadvantage from intersegmental dynamics, but may be neurophysiologically advantageous.