Squat Jump Research Articles

The physical capabilities of national league female American Flag Football players

Flag Football is the fastest growing format of American Football and is a recent addition to the 2028 Olympics. The Flag format is a non-contact version of American Football, where tackles are made by removing flags from players hips. Activity profiles in the NFL (Sanchez et al., 2013, App Sci, 13:9278; Wellman et al., 2016, J Strength Cond Res, 30, 11–19) have highlighted the need for high levels of strength, power, and speed. Given the similarities within Flag, these physical capabilities may be equally applicable to Flag players. However, a lack of literature on the Flag format, and the paucity of research in female football, irrespective of format, exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the physical fitness capabilities of a national league Women’s Flag Football team. Fourteen participants (age 28 ± 5 years; stature 166 ± 8 cm; mass 79 ± 29 kg) from a national league Women’s Flag team took part in a physical fitness testing battery comprising; countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), broad jump (BJ), 20-yard sprint and shuttle, and the Isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Participants were familiarised with testing procedures and initially completed a standardised warm-up. Mean and SD results from the jump assessments were as follows; CMJ jump height 25.1 ± 5.9 cm, peak power 39.1 ± 7.1 w/kg; SJ jump height 24.6 ± 6.3 cm, peak power 39.3 ± 6.6 w/kg; broad jump 1.89 ± 0.28 m. Absolute and relative peak force in the IMTP was 2201 ± 422 N and 30.1 ± 4.1 N/kg respectively. The Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) calculated from CMJ and IMTP peak force was 0.76 ± 0.12. Lastly, 20-yard sprint and shuttle times were 3.43 ± 0.28 and 5.36 ± 0.38 s respectively. Significant correlations were found between mean CMJ jump height and mean sprint time (p 0.001; r = −0.780), between mean CMJ jump height and mean shuttle time (p <.001; r −0.857), between mean BJ distance and mean shuttle time (p <0.01; r = 0.870) and between mean BJ distance and CMJ jump height (p <.001; r = −0.911). This study is the first of its kind to report the physical capabilities of female flag football players. The findings of this study may help develop the understanding of a growing and soon to be Olympic sport.

Effects of caffeine on early morning physical and cognitive performance

Anaerobic and gross muscular performance is significantly greater in the evening that in the morning, due to the body clock and higher muscle and core temperatures in the evening compared to the morning (Ayala et al. 2021., Chron Int, 38, 1522-1536). However, little is known on the effect of caffeine supplementation on early morning gross muscular and cognitive performance, and whether this can mask the performance limitations imposed by the morning hours. Eight healthy, active male participants (mean ± SD: age, 21 ± 1 years; body mass, 78 ± 7 kg; stature, 178 ± 4 cm) volunteered and completed 2 familiarisation sessions and two experimental sessions. Experimental sessions 1) caffeine pill condition and 2) no pill condition was counterbalanced in order of administration (separated by >48h). The sessions began at 07:00h. During each session, intra-aural temperature was taken after participants had reclined for 30-min at the start of the protocol. Questionnaires were also provided to assess mood and sleep, then cognitive performance was assessed via the Stroop test. Agility was assessed using the Whitty SEM micrograte system, grip strength was measured using a hand grip dynamometer and finally 3x countermovement jumps and 3x squat jumps were recorded using a Jump mat. The aims of the study were to assess the effects of caffeine supplementation on 1) gross muscular and 2) cognitive assessments.

Microdosing Plyometric Training Enhances Jumping Performance, Reactive Strength Index, and Acceleration among Youth Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Study Design.

Microdosing can facilitate better accommodation to the training stimulus while aligning with the scheduling needs of teams. In this study, the effectiveness of microdosing exposure was investigated by comparing the effects of microdosing plyometric jump training (microPJT) with those of regular plyometric jump training (regPJT) and a control group not exposed to plyometric training. The comparison focused on the effects on jumping performance, reactive strength index (RSI), and acceleration over a 10-meter distance. Fifty-two male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.6 years old) from under-17 teams participated in a randomized controlled study, with interventions lasting 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted twice, before and after the intervention, measuring squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), RSI during drop jumps, and acceleration in a 10-meter sprint test. The regPJT group completed 34 bilateral jumps and 48 unilateral jumps per week over two weekly sessions, totaling 82 jumps. Conversely, the microPJT group performed 17 bilateral jumps and 24 unilateral jumps weekly over 4 sessions week, totaling 41 jumps. Significant interactions between groups and time were observed concerning SJ (p < 0.001; η2= 0.282), CMJ (p < 0.001; η2= 0.368), RSI (p < 0.001; η2= 0.400) and 10-m sprint time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.317). Between-group analysis indicated that both the microPJT (p < 0.001) and regPJT (p < 0.001) groups exhibited significant better results compared to the control group in post-intervention evaluation of SJ, CMJ, RSI and 10-m sprint time, while no significant differences were found between experimental groups (p > 0.050). In conclusion, this study has revealed that both microPJT and regPJT are equally effective in enhancing jumping performance and acceleration time in soccer players. This suggests that a smaller training volume, distributed more frequently across the week, can effectively induce improvements in soccer players.

Effect of active recovery using individual maximum exercise capacity: a pilot study.

[Purpose] The intensity of active recovery (AR) for performance recovery is often determined using breath gas analyzers and other special equipment. However, such procedures are difficult to perform in the field or where facilities are inadequate. Although several AR methods using simple patient-derived information have been proposed, only a few have specifically addressed their immediate effects. The present study aimed to quantify the immediate effects of AR, which was determined using the maximum exercise capacity calculated using a physical fitness test without specialized devices. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-two healthy male participants were equally divided into AR and control groups. Each group performed squat jumps, followed by a recovery intervention of jogging at a set intensity in the AR group or rest in a seated position in the control group. Standing long jumps performed before and after the squat jumps as well as after the intervention were analyzed. [Results] The recovery rate for standing long jumps was significantly higher in the AR group than in the control group. [Conclusion] The results of this pilot study indicate that the implementation of AR based on maximum exercise capacity may enhance performance recovery and requires further validation in larger studies.

The Screening Value of Single Leg Squat and Vertical Drop Jump for Predicting Lower Limb Injuries in Professional Male Football Players

The Screening Value of Single Leg Squat and Vertical Drop Jump for Predicting Lower Limb Injuries in Professional Male Football Players

Effectiveness of Squat and Countermovement Jumps in Improving Vertical Jump Performance

Effectiveness of Squat and Countermovement Jumps in Improving Vertical Jump Performance

Effect of soft tissue, range of motion and muscle strength on deep squatting

The purpose was to clarify the effects of soft tissues such as muscles and fat, range of motion of the hip, knee and ankle, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion muscle strength and muscle activity on deep squatting. The participants were 18 healthy university students. Physical characteristics, circumference, subcutaneous fat thickness, and range of motion were measured. After that, they performed deep squatting and lower limb muscle strength was measured. Muscle activities in lower limb during performance was also measured. Statistical tests were performed on the differences between the able group and the unable group, with each item as the dependent variable. Body weight, BMI, abdominal circumference, and tibialis anterior muscle activity were significantly lower in the able group (able to perform a deep squat), than in the unable group. Additionally, range of motion of the hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion were significantly higher in the able group than in the unable group. It was clarified that soft tissues characteristics are connected to deep squatting in addition to range of motion.

Phase angle as an indicator of body composition and physical performance in handball players

BackgroundPhase angle (PhA), obtained from the bioimpedance analysis, is widely used in clinical situations and in sports. This study evaluated the association between PhA with body composition and physical performance of handball athletes.Methods43 national-level players (22.19 ± 3.86 years) of both sexes were evaluated regarding anthropometry, body composition, squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jumps, handgrip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness.ResultsWe verified a correlation between PhA of the whole body and fat-free mass (r = 0.511), body mass index (r = 0.307), and body fat % (r = -0.303). There was a positive correlation between PhA of the whole body and SJ (r = 0.376), CMJ (r = 0.419), and handgrip for the dominant hand (r = 0.448). Moreover, PhA of the upper limbs was more strongly correlated with handgrip for the dominant (r = 0.630) and non-dominant hand (r = 0.575) compared to PhA of the whole body considering both sexes. Similarly, segmental PhA had a stronger significant correlation with SJ (r = 0.402) and handgrip for the dominant hand (r = 0.482) in males, as well as CMJ (r = 0.602) in females, compared to PhA of the whole body.ConclusionPhA of the whole body was positively related to fat-free mass, body mass index, body fat %, and lower- and upper-limbs strength in handball athletes. Segmental PhA might be used as a tool for estimating lower and upper limbs performance considering the sex, in preference to the PhA of the whole body.

Differences in the effects of plyometric squat jumps and bileg band training on leg strength increases in volleyball players of different gender

Background and purpose This study aims to determine differences in the effects of plyometric jumps, squats, and double leg band training on leg muscle strength gains in volleyball players of different genders. Material and methods This study was conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Karanganyar, Jalan Lawu No. 86, Ngarjosari, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. This study was conducted over a six-week period, beginning February 5, 2024, and ending March 16, 2024, with meetings occurring three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The experimental method is chosen to identify certain symptoms through an intervention carried out on a test sample. An experiment is a design that allows researchers to simultaneously study the effects of two or more types of experimental variables. Results After the analysis in the group of men, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.468%. Meanwhile, in the group of women, an increase in leg strength indicators was obtained as a result of the experiment by 2.892%. Comparing the two female groups, there is a higher percentage increase than the male groups, which is 2.892% in females compared to 2.468% in males. Thus, the female group showed a more pronounced increase in results than the male group, with a significance of p &lt; 0.05. Thus, hypothesis 2 «there is a difference in the growth of leg muscle strength as a result of training using plyometric exercises in male and female students» is accepted. Conclusions Significant differences in the indicators of leg muscle strength increase in male and female volleyball players as a result of the use of special training were revealed. This is evidenced by the average increase in leg muscle strength in men by 2.468%, and in women by 2.892% at p &lt; 0.05.

Comparison of the Effects of Pilates and Yoga Exercise on the Dynamic Balancing Ability and Functional Movement of Fencers.

This study was conducted to compare and analyze whether Pilates exercise and yoga exercise help improve the performance of female fencers and prevent injury, and the dynamic balance test (LQ-YBT) and functional movement screening (FMS) test score of the elite adult female fencers were compared and analyzed as evaluation indicators. Participants were randomly classified into Pilates (n = 10) and yoga groups (n = 10), members of which took part in 50 min of exercise (5 min of warm-up, 40 min of main exercise, and 5 min of cool-down) twice weekly for eight weeks. The results obtained from this study were analyzed via independent t-test and 2-way ANOVA. The results were as follows: LQ-YBT measures (reaching distance) increased significantly for both groups, as did FMS scores (deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability). These results suggest that Pilates exercise and yoga exercise might be likely effective in improving the performance of adult female fencers and injury prevention by increasing their dynamic balance ability and functional movement.

Effect of a Short-Term Combined Balance and Multidirectional Plyometric Training on Postural Balance and Explosive Performance in U-13 Male and Female Soccer Athletes

This study’s aim is to examine the effect of a combined balance and multidirectional plyometric training intervention on postural balance ability and lower limb explosive performance in U-13 male and female soccer athletes. Twenty pre-adolescent (age: 12.6 ± 1.6 years) soccer athletes followed a 6-week training intervention combining balance exercises, dynamic stabilization tasks and multidirectional plyometric exercises at a frequency of twice/week for 20–25 min, based on a progressive increase in exercise difficulty from phase A (week 1–3) to phase B (week 4–6). Pre- and post-training measurements were carried out to assess the following: (a) static balance performance in single (left, right)-legged and two-legged quiet stance trials with eyes open and eyes closed (two trials per stance and vision condition of 30 s duration) and (b) lower limb explosive performance in countermovement and squat jumps without arm swing (three trials/jump). The vertical GRF was recorded by a customized force plate (Wii, 1.000 Hz, Biovision) and offline, CoP and explosive performance parameters were calculated. The overall results showed that the static balance ability of athletes remained unaffected, while restricting their vision deteriorated their postural control. The lower limb explosive performance showed a trend for improvement; however, inter-individual variations in athletes’ responses might have obscured any effect.

Can the Countermovement Jump or Squat Jump predict the kinematic performance of the rear Bandal Chagi kick?

This study aimed to measure the associative and predictive strength of biomechanical variables of the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ), and performance of the bandal-chagi kick performed with the dominant (D) rear lower limb in elite Taekwondo Athletes. For this, a total of 27 international level athletes (15 males and 12 females) performed the CMJ and SJ on two force platforms. The bandal-chagi was monitored using a motion capture system (VICON). The main results indicated that non-dominant (ND) Stiffness for the CMJ showed predictive power alone (p=0.048) or in combination with eccentric breaking rating of force development (RFD) (p=0.031) for total hip angular speed. Takeoff peak force/BM for the SJ predicted total time (p=0.002). Concentric RFD/BM predicted total linear foot acceleration, either alone (p=0.001) or with vertical speed at takeoff (p=0.042). The total hip angular acceleration predictor was takeoff peak force D alone (p=0.019) or in combination with peak power/BM (p=0.041). In conclusion, CMJ and SJ tests showed specific associations with TKD kick performance. These analyses in this study indicated that they are good predictors for TKD athletes, producing results consistent with the participants’ levels. Keywords: Martial arts, Biomechanical Phenomena, Time-motion studies, Kinanthropometry, Motion Capture.

How reliable are femoropelvic kinematics during deep squats? The influence of subject-specific skeletal modelling on measurement variability

BackgroundBiplanar radiography displays promising results in the production of subject-specific (S.specific) biomechanical models. However, the focus has predominantly centred on methodological investigations in gait analysis. Exploring the influence of such models on the analysis of high range of motion tasks linked to hip pathologies is warranted. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of S.Specific modelling techniques on the reliability of deep squats kinematics in comparison to generic modelling. Methods8 able-bodied male participants attended 5 motion capture sessions conducted by 3 observers and performed 5 deep squats in each. Prior to each session a biplanar scan was acquired with the reflective-markers attached. Inverse kinematics of pelvis and thigh segments were calculated based on S.specific and Generic model definition. Agreement between the two models femoropelvic orientation in standing was assessed with Bland-Altman plots and paired t- tests. Inter-trial, inter-session, inter-observer variability and observer/trial difference and ratio were calculated for squat kinematic data derived from the two modelling approaches. ResultsCompared to the Generic model, the S.Specific model produced a calibration trial that is significantly offset into more posterior pelvis tilt (–2.8±2.7), hip extension (–2.2±3.8), hip abduction (–1.2±3.6) and external rotation (–13.8±11.4). The S.specific model produced significantly different squat kinematics in the sagittal plane of the pelvis (entire squat cycle) and hip (between 40 % and 60 % of the squat cycle). Variability analysis indicated that the error magnitude between the two models was comparable (difference<2°). The S.specific model exhibited a lower variability in the observer/trial ratio in the sagittal pelvis and hip, the frontal hip, but showed a higher variability in the transverse hip. SignificanceS.specific modelling appears to introduce a calibration offset that primarily translates into an effect in the sagittal plane kinematics. However, the clinical added value of S.specific modelling in terms of reducing experimental sources of kinematic variability was limited.

COMPARISON OF CONCENTRIC AND IMPACT FORCES ON LAND AND IN WATER

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Plyometric jump training has been used in athletic training to improve muscle strength and power and injury prevention in young people and adults. There is evidence to support aquatic plyometric training in young athletes for improving strength and power while providing a safer environment with less impact when landing. The aim of this study was to extend the research to include middle-aged adults (40-60 years) who are at a greater risk of physical decline and would benefit from a greater understanding of the forces generated in land-based and aquatic plyometric jumps for adults aged 40-60 years. METHOD Thirteen healthy individuals aged 40- 60 years participated in this study. Participants attended three sessions including a familiarisation session, land-based testing and water-based testing. Participants performed three vertical jumps (VJ) on land, three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three squat jumps (SJ) on a force plate on land and in water. Force traces were analysed for peak force, impact force, flight time, and jump height. RESULTS Peak forces normalised for bodyweight, jump height, and flight time were significantly higher in the water than on land for the CMJ and SJ (p&amp;lt;.000). Impact forces showed an insignificant increase in the water compared to on land. There was a strong correlation between the VJ and the two land based jumps for all jump characteristics (p&amp;lt;.01) and a strong positive correlation between the percentage of participant height immersed and peak force at take- off for CMJ (r=.794, p&amp;lt;.01) and SJ (r=.682, p&amp;lt;.05). CONCLUSION Jump height, flight time, and peak force all increased in the water compared to on land. As the percentage of height immersed increased, so did peak force on take-off. Immersion depths must be considered when prescribing plyometric exercise for adults aged 40-60 years to ensure appropriately targeted exercise prescription.

Effect of a graded running race on lower limb muscle damage, jump performance and muscle soreness in men and women.

Delayed structural and functional recovery after a 20 km graded running race was analyzed with respect to the sex effect. Thirteen female and 14 male recreational runners completed the race and three test sessions: one before (PRE) and two after, once on Day 1 or 2 (D1-2) and then on Day 3 or 4 (D3-4). Muscle damage was assessed indirectly using ultrasonography to quantify changes in cross-sectional area (CSA) of 10 lower-limb muscles. Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) was assessed for three muscle groups. Functional recovery was quantified by kinetic analysis of a squat jump (SJ) and a drop jump (DJ) test performed on a sledge ergometer. Linear mixed models were used to assess control group reproducibility and recovery patterns according to sex. Regardless of sex, DOMS peaked at D1-2 for all muscle groups and resolved at D3-4. CSA was increased in each muscle group until D3-4, especially in the semimembranosus muscle. A specific increase was found in the short head of the biceps femoris in women. Regardless of sex, SJ and DJ performances declined up to D3-4. Depending on the muscle, positive and/or negative correlations were found between structural and functional changes. Some of these were sex-specific. Structural and functional recovery was incomplete in both sexes up to D3-4, although DOMS had disappeared. More emphasis should be placed on hamstring muscle recovery. Highlighting the intermuscular compensations that can occur during multi-joint testing tasks, the structural-functional relationships were either positive or negative, muscle- and sex-dependent.

Freestyle wrestling in sections of a school sports club

Introduction. Freestyle wrestling ensures effective development of various physical qualities and abilities in schoolchildren, and is among the most popular sports along with other types of martial arts and games. Freestyle wrestling is an appropriate means of sports-oriented physical education for schoolchildren, since it meets their interests and needs in physical education and sports. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a school sports club in organizing physical education and sports work, taking into account the interest of those involved, on the example of freestyle wrestling. Materials and methods. The pedagogical experiment involved implementing the developed methodology for freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club. 30 students from MBEI Secondary School No. 38 in Grozny (Russian Federation) took part in the experiment. Research results. Freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club significantly increases physical activity and preparedness of students. The comparative analysis showed a significant improvement in the test scores of the experimental group: 60 m standing-start run with hand support, sec – p &lt; 0.05; 5 successive somersaults, sec – p &lt; 0.05; pull-ups on a bar, number of times – p &lt; 0.05; forward bends from a sitting position, cm – p &lt;0.05; in the test shuttle run 3×10 m, sec – p &lt; 0.05; raising the body into a squat position in 30 sec, number of times – p &lt;0.05; and cross running 2000m, min – p&lt;0.05. Conclusion. The study confirmed the effectiveness of freestyle wrestling in sections at the school sports club. The proposed methodology will significantly increase physical activity, fitness and development of schoolchildren, and its use in the physical education system can be considered appropriate.

The contribution of plyometric exercises assisted by sensory technology on vertical jump parameters in U15 female volleyball players

Background and Study Aim. Volleyball requires high vertical jump skills for crucial actions like attacking and blocking, making jump training a focus for players, especially in youth categories. The main goal of the study was to highlight (with some specific data) the strengths and weaknesses of integrating sensory technology into the physical training program, during the entire competitive period. Material and Methods. The study included both an experimental and a control group, each consisting of 16 female athletes from the volleyball section of the Cetate Sports High School in Deva. During the competitive season of 2022/2023, both groups underwent daily training sessions from Monday to Saturday, totaling 120 minutes per day. The BlazePod Flash Reflex Training system was employed in this research. It integrates cognitive training to enhance thinking speed and clarity with physical exercises aimed at maximizing motor skills. Performance evaluations of the athletes utilized eight predefined tests from the OptoJump Next optical measuring system and the Myotest accelerometric system. To analyze the data, paired (dependent) sample t-tests were conducted to compare average parameters between matched samples. Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the average outcomes, ensuring the participants were consistent across the evaluated conditions. Results. The experimental group showed significant improvements in the height reached from the center of gravity and flight time for the following tests: Countermovement Jump, Countermovement Jump with Arm Swing, Squat Jump, Squat Jump with Arm Swing, and Drop Jump from 30 cm. All improvements reached statistical significance: p&lt;0.05. Significant enhancements were also observed in average jump height, jump power, force of jumps, and ascensional speed, demonstrating statistical significance (p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, the use of an arm swing during jumps notably improved performance compared to when jumps were performed with hands on hips. This indicates that an arm swing can significantly increase the height of the vertical jump (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. The study confirms that the integration of sensory technology into the training programs for junior volleyball teams is effective in enhancing training outcomes. This approach not only improves the vertical jump capabilities of young athletes but also positively affects their ability to perform technical moves that require elevation from the ground. It underscores the potential of innovative training methods in advancing athletic performance in youth sports.

The effect of chronic leg press exercises on hamstring muscle length and different vertical jump performance

Background and Study Aim. As it is known, chronic resistance exercises cause limitations in some joints and this negatively affects the normal range of motion. In the present study, it was aimed to analyse the quadriceps-hamstring balance by analysing different vertical jump performances after six weeks of leg press exercise. Material and Methods. Eleven university students aged between 18-30 years were included in this study. The hamstring muscle length, 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) leg press performance were analysed before and after six weeks of leg press exercise. In addition, the vertical jump performances of the participants were analysed with My Jump 2 software programme. In this study, counter movement jumps (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performances of the participants were determined. Results. According to the findings, 1 repetition maximum (1-RM) leg press performance and hamstring length of the participants improved significantly (t=-7.609, ES: -2.29, p&lt;.001; t=-2.540, -0.76, p=.029, respectively). CMJ and SJ parameters of the participants did not change (p&lt;0.05). It was concluded that the lengthened hamstring length after the leg press exercise programme had a positive relationship with vertical jump height (r=0.656, p=0.028), flight duration (r=0.663, p=0.026), speed (r=0.657, p=0.028), and average speed (r=0.669, p=0.024). These relationships were observed among CMJ parameters following the exercise programme. Likewise, a positive correlation was found between hamstring length, which lengthened after the leg press exercise programme, and vertical jump height (r=0.625, p=0.040), flight duration (r=0.646, p=0.032), speed (r=0.646, p=0.032), and average speed (r=0.637, p=0.035). These correlations were identified among the SJ parameters after the exercise. Conclusions. As a result, it was determined that chronic leg press exercises positively affected hamstring muscle length and muscle strength. Different vertical jump performances such as CMJ and SJ did not change. However, the relationship between hamstring length and vertical jump parameters is interesting.

Functional movement screen score to predict injury risk of sports students: a review of foot shape and body mass index

Background and Study Aim. Excessive physical activity poses a risk of injury, particularly when coupled with high exercise intensity. Factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and foot morphology may contribute to this risk. This study seeks to evaluate the relationship between BMI, foot shape, and the likelihood of injury among sports students. Material and Methods. A total of 119 sports students, comprising 33 females and 86 males, participated in this study. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants. BMI was determined using height and weight measurements, while foot shape was assessed through footprint measurements. The Functional Movement Screening (FMS) instrument, encompassing 7 movements: Deep Squats, Hurdle Steps, Inline Lunges, Shoulder Mobility, Active Straight Leg Raises, Trunk Stability Push-ups, and Rotary Stability, was utilized to assess injury risk. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS v.25.0, employing descriptive statistics. Results. Based on data analysis, the FMS value in females shows a mean of 18.7 and a standard deviation of 1.21. At the same time, the FMS value in males shows 18.5 and a standard deviation of 1.41. BMI values in females showed a mean of 21.6 and a standard deviation of 3.03. At the same time, BMI values in males showed a mean of 22.9 and a standard deviation of 4.62. The results were that all FMS scores were ≥14. While of BMI measurements, some samples obtained ˂18 kg/m² and ˃30kg/m². BMI measurements according to gender were mainly in the normal weight category. However, those who fall into the obesity category are primarily males. With the results of measuring the foot's shape, the percentage of flat feet is only 0.84% in females and 7.59 in males, while the rest of the sample has a normal foot shape. Conclusions. Individuals with a BMI in the overweight to obese category are more susceptible to high-category injuries, likely due to limited motion range. However, the study did not find evidence linking flat foot shape to high-category injury risk. This inability to establish a correlation may be attributed to the predominantly normal foot shape observed in the sample, resulting in a prediction of low-category injury risk.

Knee extensor electromyographic activity during different depths of squat exercise in strength training experienced adults: A Systematic Review

B ACKGROUND: Changes in range of motion during partial and deep squats can affect the electrical activity of the knee extensor muscles. There are results’ divergences between studies that evaluated the effects of deep and partial squats on the electrical activity of the knee extensor muscles. AIM: To systematically review the literature on the electromyographic activity of the knee extensor muscles during partial and deep squat exercises in subjects with strength training experience. METHOD: The search included MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Scielo, EMBASE, in addition to a manual search, until June 2023. Cross-sectional observational studies comparing partial squats (up to 90º of knee flexion) and deep squats (maximum knee flexion) that evaluated the electrical activation through surface electromyography in men and women with strength training experience were included. Methodological quality assessment was performed using the adapted Downs and Black tool, as suggested by the Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTS: Of the 636 articles identified, four studies were included. The included studies presented electromyographic values of the two squat variations. No difference was found in the activation of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles between partial and deep squats. Regarding methodological quality, one study was classified as having moderate and the other three studies showing high methodological quality. CONCLUSION: The similarity in the knee extensors’ electromyographic activation between partial and deep squat exercises in men and women with strength training experience suggests that both exercises can be used for recruiting these muscles during physical fitness activities.