Postural control and vertical jumping performance in adolescent and adult male basketball players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare postural control and vertical jumping performance characteristics in adolescent and adult male basketball players. Forty nine male basketball players participated in this study. They were distributed into three groups: (1) young adolescents (YA; with mean age 15.4±0.7 yrs), (2) old adolescents (OA; 17.9±1.2 yrs), and (3) adults (AD; 25.9±3.7 yrs). Static standing balance during bi- and unipedal standing and vertical jumping characteristics were measured on a force platform. AD basketball players had significantly (p<0.05) higher vertical jumping height and power development per unit of body mass as compared to YA and OA group; OA group outperformed YA group as well. Static standing stability was better in AD group than YA and OA group. There were no significant differences between YA and OA groups in static standing balance test. Age and sports participation were significantly (p<0.05) positively correlated with vertical jumping height and power. Anthropometrical characteristics and sports participation were all significantly (p<0.05) negatively correlated with centre of pressure trace length during bi- and unipedal standing. No significant correlation was observed between balance and vertical jumping characteristics. It was concluded that in male basketball players the improvement in vertical jumping performance and static standing balance during bipedal stance are influenced by sports participation and maturation, whereas static standing balance during unipedal stance is not affected by aforementioned factors.