Kinematic Analysis of Vertical Jump Performances Before and After Fatigue in Basketball Players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim: This single group pre- and post-test study aimed to examine kinematic changes in vertical jump performances before and after fatigue in basketball players. Material and Method: Ten male university student (age 23.28±1.31 years, height 181.17±6.87 cm, body weight 74.53±9.27 kg) basketball players voluntarily participated in the study. Vertical jump test was performed twice, once before fatigue and again after fatigue, and jump measurements were recorded with 2 cameras capable of shooting 240 frames per second. The vertical jumps were measured using a Smart Speed device. The recorded measurements were analyzed using a biomechanical analysis program, and the results were analyzed statistically. Each participant performed 5 resting jumps on the jump mat after warm-up, and the highest height reached was determined as the jump height. Next, the protocol for inducing fatigue was initiated without a period of rest, and the participants were asked to sprint 6x10 m, following which vertical jumps were performed 5 times without any break. The maximum value of each parameter obtained from among the 5 vertical jumps was used for analysis. The protocol for inducing fatigue was followed until the post-fatigue vertical jump parameter values were below 70% of the maximum values recorded before fatigue. Pre- and post-fatigue jump parameter values were statistically analyzed using the paired samples t-test. Results and Conclusion: Statistically significant differences were observed in knee flexion angle measurements before and after fatigue as well as in jump height measurements before and after fatigue (p<0.05). Therefore, it is believed that fatigue may be associated with a risk of knee joint injury in basketball players. Keywords: Kinematic Analysis, Vertical Jump, Performance, Fatigue, Basketball Players