Jump Test Research Articles

The effects of six weeks of combined balance and plyometric training on postural control performance in elite badminton players: A pilot randomized, controlled study

Background/ObjectivesThe athletic performance in badminton players largely depends on the capability of dynamic postural control to quickly restore balance when performing high-paced movements (e.g., frequent single-leg jumps). Our aim was to examine the effects of a novel intervention that combines balance training on an unstable surface and plyometric training on the performance of restoring balance after jumping, as well as related postural control in elite badminton players. MethodsSixteen elite male badminton players were randomly allocated to either a combined balance and plyometric training group (CT, n = 8) or a plyometric training group (PT, n = 8). The CT group participated in a six-week training program, which included three training sessions per week. Each session comprised 40 min of plyometric exercises and 20 min of balance training. The PT group underwent plyometric training using the identical protocol as that of the CT group. All participants underwent identical technical training in badminton throughout the duration of the study. At baseline and immediately after the intervention, participants completed a single-leg jumping test. The capacity to restore balance was evaluated using the time to stabilization (TTS) after landing; and the related center of pressure (COP) fluctuations were also recorded. The effect of intervention was examined by two-way repeated-measures of ANOVA. ResultsThe primary two-way repeated-measures ANOVA models showed no significant interactions between group and time on either the time to stability in the dominant leg (D-TTS) or the time to stability in the non-dominant leg (N-TTS) (p > 0.70). Significant main effects of time, group, and their interactions on dominant legs of the anterior-posterior displacement difference (D-COPAP) (time: p = 0.001; group: p = 0.001; interaction: p = 0.014), non-dominant legs of the anterior-posterior displacement difference (N-COPAP) (time: p < 0.001; group: p = 0.003; interaction: p = 0.021) and non-dominant legs of the medial-lateral displacement difference (N-COPML) (time: p < 0.001; group: p < 0.001; interaction: p = 0.026), that is, compared to baseline of both groups and post PT, the COP metrics were significantly reduced after CT. Secondarily, within the CT and PT group, after the intervention, the N-TTS (CT: p = 0.001, post: 0.58 ± 0.87; PT: p = 0.03, post: 0.71 ± 0.11) was significantly decreased compared to baseline (CT pre: 0.76 ± 0.16; PT pre: 0.88 ± 0.13). ConclusionThis pilot study demonstrated that, compared to PT-only, the 6-week CT which combines balance training induced comparable improvements in the capacity to restoring balance after landing from a single-leg jump, and significantly improved the postural control performance as measured by COP metrics.

Physical Capacity Survey of Sports Education Student Class 2022 STKIP PGRI Bangkalan

Physical strength that uses, endurance and flexibility is physical fitness. Physical fitness factors include (speed, agility, flexibility, endurance, strength, balance). The researcher aims to determine the physical condition of students of the sports education study program class of 2022 at the STKIP PGRI Bangkalan campus. This research uses survey research methods. The sample selection was carried out using purposive sampling. The sample obtained was 35 students from a sample of 28 male students and 7 female students. This research was carried out at the STKIP PGRI Bangkalan campus which was carried out in this study including the Sit &amp; Reach to monitor lower back flexibility, Standing Stork Test to maintain a state of balance, Pess-up Test to assess upper body endurance, Illinois Agility Run Test to monitor speed and agility, Standing Long Jump Test to monitor leg strength. The results show that male and female students have lower back flexibility in the excellent category. Male and female students are balanced in the poor category. Male upper body endurance is average in the below average category and female is in the average category. Male speed and agility with average category and female speed and agility average category. Male leg strength with poor category and female with poor category. The conclusion of this research is that for physical capacity flexibility needs to be maintained, while balance, endurance, speed and agility, strength need to be improved.

UČINKI TELOVADBE NA GIBLJIVOST IN MOČ PRI OTROCIH

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of gymnastics training on flexibility and strength parameters of gymnasts. A total of 48 boys aged 5-7 years participated in this study voluntarily. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (Experimental group n=24; age, height, weight and BMI 6.21±1.10 years, 114.18±19.98 cm, 22.38±4.09 kg, 15.85±1.59 kg/m², respectively; Control group n=24; age, height, weight and BMI (6.87±0.74 years, 114.18±19.98 cm, 22.38±4.09 kg, 15.90±2.72 kg/m², respectively). Standing Long Jump test (SLJ), Bent Arm Hang (BAH), Sit Ups in 30seconds Cruch (SUC), Sit and Reach Flexibility Test (SRF) and Static Flexibility (SF) tests were applied to the experimental and control groups. The training was applied to the experimental group three days a week for 12 weeks, each time for the duration of 90 minutes. A two-way Repeated Measure ANOVA (2×2) was used to test for interactions and main effects for time (pre-test vs. post-test) and group (experimental vs. control) on the dependent physical performance variables. Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the TSC and SR values of the experimental group from pre to post-tests (p&lt;0.01, d=0.95, p&lt;0.01, d=0.75, respectively). There were no significant differences in other parameters. According to post-test group difference results, experimental group participants performed better than those in the control group in terms of BAH, SUC, SLJ and SRF values (p&lt;0.02, d=0.780; p&lt;0.04, d=0.614; p&lt;0.00, d=2.11 respectively). As a conclusion, gymnastic training program significantly improved strength and flexibility of gymnasts aged 5-7 years.

Effect of Character Dance Steps in Turkish Folk Dances on Some Physical Fitness Levels

This research was conducted in öder to examine the effect of character dance steps determined from Kırşehir region dances, which are applied within the folk dance trainings held regularly for eight weeks, on the physical fitness of the athletes. A total of 20 volunteers were included in the sample group of the study (male; n=10, age;11±08, female; n=10 age 11±08). The sample size of the study was determined by Gpower analysis. The effectiveness of the character dance steps determined from the Kırşehir region dances on the physical levels of the participants was the subject of the research. In the experimental research, some physical fitness tests were applied to the participants. In assessing aerobic fitness; Harvard step test is used to evaluate strength; Hand grip test and leg strength test are used to evaluate agility; T test, in measurements of balance performance; Standing Strong and flamingo balance tests. Jump Test was used to evaluate anaerobic power. All data were analyzed in the IBM-SPSS 25 statistical program. The findings obtained in this study; In the trainings conducted with character dance steps determined from the Kırşehir regional dances, significance was observed in the aerobic capacities, strength variables and agility abilities of male and female Folk Dance performance athletes aged 11-14 who were trained at the secondary education level (p &lt; α=0.05). These results showed that the selected character dance steps studies significantly improved physical fitness in the participants.

Relationships between Physical Fitness Attributes, Food Habits and Nutritional Knowledge in Youth Basketball Players

Understanding food habits and nutritional knowledge in youth athletes could contribute to optimal recovery and improving performance in basketball. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationships between physical fitness, with food habits and nutritional knowledge in basketballers. Twenty-three healthy youth players to the same elite basketball academy participated in this study. Basketballers performed a basketball fitness test battery including jumping tests [countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ)]; 5, 10 and 20 m-linear sprints; change of direction (COD) tests [Lane Agility Drill test and 505 test], and repeated change-of-direction (RCOD) sprint and completed a Turconi questionnaire based on eating habits and nutritional knowledge. While no significant (p&gt;0.05) correlations were found between physical fitness attributes and total score obtained in sections C and H in dietary questionnaire, significant correlations (r=0.606–0.971; large - nearly perfect; p&lt;0.001 – 0.003) were found among jumping, COD, RCOD and LSST tests. These findings suggest that physical performance of youth basketball players is not influenced by their level of dietary behaviors and nutritional knowledge.

Effects of flossing technique on ankle mobility and vertical jump performance

ContextFlossing may report benefits on range of motion. However, it's unknown whether flossing using pneumatic tourniquets may influence performance in bilateral countermovement jumping tests. ObjectiveTo analyze the acute effects induced by a flossing protocol with a pneumatic tourniquet placed at the intermalleolar level on jumping ability in basketball players.Study design: cross-sectional study. Methods54 basketball players (mean (SD) 17.16 (1.27) years; 22.23 (1.99) kg/m2) from a professional club were recruited. After a familiarization phase, a pressurized cuff (continuous pressure at 180 mmHg) was placed at the intermalleolar level for 2 min performing plantar and dorsal flexion movements without load. The Leg Motion test and the Countermovement jump were used to measure ankle dorsiflexion and vertical jump height. ResultsAfter the intervention, a significant ankle dorsiflexion improvement was observed in the left leg in males (12.48 (5.08) vs. 13.44 (5.23) cm, p < 0.05) and in both ankles in females (right: 9.59 (3.29) vs. 10.74 (3.34) cm, p < 0.05; left: 9.91 (2.77) vs. 10.96 (2.57) cm, p < 0.05). However, the intervention showed no significant difference in bilateral jumping ability in neither group (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe application of intermalleolar flossing using pneumatic tourniquet in elite basketball players did not interfere in jumping ability, and it may improve ankle range of motion. These findings may help clinicians make decisions in practice.

THE EFFECT OF SINGLE HIGH-VELOCITY, LOW-AMPLITUDE SPINE MANIPULATION ON POSTURE, FUNCTIONAL STATE OF TORSO, THIGH MUSCLES, AND VERTICAL JUMP HEIGHT

The effects impact of single high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation on posture, torso, and thigh functional condition, and the height of the vertical jump have not been adequately studied. The research aims to investigate the immediate changes caused by a single spinal vertebral HVLA manipulation 3 weeks after posture, torso, and thigh muscle functional state, and vertical jump height. The study involved 46 men aged 18-25 years old who practiced indoor volleyball training at least twice a week, as well as a deviation of the vertebral vertebrae from the non-thymic position. Initially, posture was assessed using the photogrammetry method and muscle length was assessed using the goniometry method. A vertical jump height test was performed by the Sargent Jump test. A single HVLA spinal manipulation was performed by a certified chiropractor for segment correction. Then, a re-assessment of posture (photogrammetry), re-assessment of movement volume (goniometry) as well a re-assessment of vertical jump height test- the Sargent Jump test was performed. After 3 weeks post HVLA manipulation participants were retested. The main findings are: immediately after the HVLA spinal correction changes in posture were observed in all evaluated parameters, deviations from the norm decreased by 25.45% ± 1.27% (p &lt; .005), while the vertical jump height test results immediately after HVLA increased by 4.34% ± 0.11% (p &lt; .005). After 3 weeks post HVLA spine manipulation therapeutic effect was reduced by 5.48% ± 1.27% (p &lt; .005), while the Sargent Jump test result 3 weeks after manipulation decreased by 0.05% ± 0.11% (p &gt; .005). Conclusion: the persistence of the effect of a single HVLA spine manipulation was maintained for 3 weeks after the manipulation into the posture.

Human foot muscle strength and its association with sprint acceleration, cutting and jumping performance, and kinetics in high-level athletes

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPj) flexion torque and sprint acceleration, cutting and jumping performance, and kinetics. A secondary aim was to explore this relationship when MTP flexion strength was associated with other foot and lower limb neuromuscular outputs. After an initial MTPj flexion torque assessment using a custom-built dynamometer, 52 high-level athletes performed the following tasks on a force platform system: maximal sprint acceleration, 90-degree cutting, vertical and horizontal jumps, and foot-ankle hops. Their foot posture, foot passive stiffness and foot-ankle reactive strength were assessed using the Foot Posture Index, the Arch Height Index Measurement System and the Foot-Ankle Rebound Jump Test. Ankle plantarflexion and knee extension isometric torque were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. During maximal speed sprinting, multiple linear regressions suggested a major contribution of MTPj flexion torque, foot passive stiffness and foot-ankle reactive strength to explain 28% and 35% of the total variance in the effective vertical impulse and contact time. Ankle plantarflexor and quadriceps isometric torques were aggregately contributors of acceleration performance and separate contributors of cutting and jumping performance. In conclusion, MTPj flexion torque was more strongly associated with sprinting performance kinetics especially at high-speed.

The development of educability motor-based warming model for long jump sports

Stretching and warming up are crucial in every training session or competition in long jump athletics. This study was aimed at developing a warm-up model based on motor educability for the long jump sport. This research is a type of development with a research model procedure using Borg Gall's five steps of the adaptation of the IOWA Brace Test to motor educability. The samples used in this research were media experts and material experts, each consisting of one person. For small group trials, there were 9 (nine) students from the Sports Science Study Program and for large group trials, there were 39 (thirty-nine) students from the Sports Coaching Education Study Program who took athletics courses. The instruments used were the 11 IOWA Brace Test motor educability items and the Standing Broad Jump test to examine effectiveness using the paired sample t test. As a result, in the expert validation step, revision, the design product has been declared feasible by the expert as well as during large and small group trials. The effectiveness test also revealed that there was a significant difference in the mean of paired samples. The results of this development also recommend several movements, namely: side learning rest, one knee balance, stroke stand, double heel kick, hop forward, forward hand kick, half squat-arm circle, side kick, russian dance, single squat balance, and jump foot. The conclusion is that of the eleven movements it is feasible to use in warm-up for the long jump sport. Future research needs to examine how this model supports athletes in improving physical fitness components.

Unique Specific Jumping Test for Measuring Explosive Power in Young Basketball Players: Differences by Gender, Age, and Playing Positions.

When playing basketball, players are required to have high explosive power, which requires the ability to move in efficient, specific, and game-specific movement patterns that combine both horizontal and vertical abilities. Differences have been seen between young male and female basketball players in this measure. The aim of this study was to examine differences in players' unique movements by gender, age, and playing positions using a novel test for basketball players. This study included 232 young basketball players, male and female, from a range of Israeli leagues, who were divided into three categories: under-14, under-16, and under-18. Our findings showed that males presented better results than females in all age categories. Moreover, females in the under-18 category presented better results than those in the under-14 category, but not more than those in the under-16 category. Differences in playing positions were only examined between males and females in the under-18 category, where players begin to specialize in playing positions, and here, guards showed better results than forwards and centers. Our conclusions highlight the importance of including unique, sport-specific tests in talent identification and selection processes, as these tests can provide valuable information about a player's skill set and potential for success. The findings are presented in an achievement table of the expected physical fitness results by age and gender for the benefit of basketball coaches and strength and conditioning coaches when assessing their players.

Changes of Anaerobic Power and Lactate Concentration following Intense Glycolytic Efforts in Elite and Sub-Elite 400-meter Sprinters.

400-m races are based on anaerobic energy metabolism, they induce significant muscle fatigue, muscle fiber damage, and high blood lactate (LA) concentration. Despite extensive research on sprint training, our understanding of the training process that leads to world-class sprint performance is rather limited. This study aimed to determine differences in LA concentration and anaerobic power using jumping tests after an intense glycolytic effort in a group of elite and sub-elite 400-m runners. One hundred thirty male runners were divided into two groups: elite (n = 66, body mass = 73.4 ± 7.8 kg, body height = 182.1 ± 6.2 cm, age = 20.8 ± 4.0 y) running the 400-m dash below 50 s and sub-elite (n = 64, body mass = 72.0 ± 7.1 kg, body height = 182.1 ± 5.2 cm, age = 20.8 ± 4.0 y) with a 400-m personal best above 50 s. The power of the countermovement and the sequential squat jumps was measured in two sets after a warm-up, followed by two intermittent 30-s Wingate tests. LA concentration was measured eight times. It was observed that elite athletes achieved significantly higher power in both types of jumps. The maximum post-exercise LA concentration was significantly lower in the sub-elite group after the 3rd, the 6th, the 9th, and the 20th min after the cessation of two Wingate tests (p < 0.001). The rate of LA accumulation after exercise and the rate of LA utilization did not differ between the groups. It can be concluded that elite and non-elite runners differ in higher LA production but not in LA utilization. Anaerobic power and LA concentration seem to differentiate between 400 elite and sub-elite performance.

The Role of Physical Fitness on FRAN CrossFit® Workout Performance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical fitness on the FRAN CrossFit® workout time-trial. Twenty male athletes were divided into a fast group (FG) and a slow group (SG) according to the median value of the FRAN time-trial. Measurements included the FRAN time-trial, body composition analysis, isometric handgrip and isometric mid-thigh pull strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), 30 s continuous jumping test (CJ30), and one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength in the squat, thrusters, snatch, clean and jerk, and dead-lift. The FG had significantly lower body fat (p &lt; 0.018), higher CMJ (p &lt; 0.05), lower percentage decrement in CJ30 height (p = 0.023), and higher 1-RM strength (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the SG. A significant correlation was found between the FRAN time-trial with percentage body fat (r = 0.512, p = 0.021) and with percentage decrement in CJ30 height (r = 0.454, p = 0.044). Performance in the FRAN time-trial was also correlated with CMJ variables (r ranged from 0.634 to 0.663, p &lt; 0.05) and 1-RM strength (r ranged from 0.510 to 0.701, p &lt; 0.05). These results suggest that the FG has a higher tolerance to fatigue and is stronger, more powerful, and has less body fat compared to the SG. Consequently, body fat, 1-RM strength, power, and anaerobic capacity may predict the FRAN time-trial in CrossFit® athletes.

Repeated-sprint sets test: a new method for evaluating and forecasting fitness in elite young male soccer players

The objective of the current study was to explore the correlation between repeated sprint sets (RSS) ability and several physical attributes, including maximum sprint speed, maximal aerobic speed, maximal anaerobic speed, aerobic capacity, and explosive strength. Moreover, the aim was to assess the suitability of RSS as a comprehensive evaluation tool for physical qualities and to determine which physical field tests most accurately predict RSS in elite young male soccer players. A total of thirty-two young elite male soccer players (mean age 14.6 ± 0.3 years; predicted years from peak height velocity (PHV): − 0.4 ± 0.3; years in training: 3.7 ± 0.5) voluntarily participated in the study. The players participated in eight consecutive specific physical tests, with a minimum 72-h recovery between each session to minimize the impact of fatigue during the second trial. The participants completed the tests in the following order: RSS test, Vam-Eval test, a constant velocity test performed until exhaustion at 100% of vVO2max (tlim100), 20-m Multi-Stage Shuttle Run test (VMSRT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), Maximal Anaerobic Shuttle Running Test (VMASRT), Maximal Sprinting Speed Test (20-m flying sprint), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), and Standing Long Jump test (SLJ). The results of the study showed that there were very large negative correlations between tlim100 and SST (sum of sprint times), and large negative correlations between Yo-Yo IR1, Vam-Eval, and SST during RSS in young elite male soccer players (p < 0.05). Additionally, VMASRT and SLJ demonstrated a moderate negative correlation with SST (p < 0.05). In contrast, significant positive correlations were found between 20-m flying sprint and the SST (p < 0.05). According to the stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, the primary predictors of SST, ranked by importance, were tlim100 and Yo-Yo IR1. These two predictors collectively accounted for 72% of the variance in players’ SST (p < 0.0001). Due to the importance of aerobic capacity and short repeated accelerations/sprint sets for overall competitive performance in soccer, in conclusion, our results suggest that elite young male soccer players should perform both high intensity interval training and aeorobic capactity exercises as part of soccer training if the primary outcome is to improve repeated sprint ability performance.

Variations of skill-related fitness components in normal and overweight high school children

Adolescence means "stepping into adult life." It is a prepubertal phase where the transmutation of childhood into adulthood occurs and the physical and psychosomatic growth of a child takes place. This study has focused on Normal &amp; Over Weight in school going children aged between 10 and 19 years, and their status in skill related fitness. The minimum sample size for each group = 100. The subjects taken into the study were adolescent children with an age group of 10-19 years. For the study, all the students were taken from school who were studying between the 5th standard to 12th standards. After screening the children, the eligible students were randomly called to have their body composition assessed class and section-wise. The children were divided into two groups based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI was assessed with the weight in kgs divided by height in meters square of the child. The children were divided into two group and skill fitness outcome measures namely Broad Jump Test (BJT); Hand Grip Strength Test (HGS); Bent Arm Hang Test (BAH) were used. This study concluded that the physical fitness that includes skill fitness was decreased in Overweight than Normal weight adolescent boys and girls.

Neuromuscular Performance of World-Class Judo Athletes on Bench Press, Prone Row and Repeated Jump Tests

Judo is a sport that requires multiple high-intensity moments during the fight and high neuromuscular performance. Although not often, the explosive actions of the lower limbs can be decisive to winning in combat. This study aims to identify the differences in the neuromuscular features of the range of movements of the upper and lower limbs between the top-elite and elite male judo athletes. This cross-sectional study included 63 high-level male judo athletes, who were classified into two level groups: (i) top-elite (n = 30; age: 23.5 ± 3.2 years) and (ii) elite (n = 33; age: 22.6 ± 2.9 years). All the participants went to the laboratory for neuromuscular evaluations in the bench press (BP), prone row (PR), and repeated jump in 30 s (RJ30) tests. The results show that the top-elite judo athletes are superior in all the upper-body neuromuscular attributes studied. These differences were significantly superior in (i) BP peak velocity (p &lt; 0.01), maximum load 1RM, power (peak and mean), force (peak and mean), force mean to peak power, and rate of force development (RFD) (all, p &lt; 0.001); and (ii) RP maximum load 1RM (p &lt; 0.01), power load (kg, p &lt; 0.001; % 1RM, p &lt; 0.05), peak power (p = 0.010), power mean (absolute, p &lt; 0.01; relative, p &lt; 0.05), force mean (p &lt; 0.05), force mean to peak power (absolute, p &lt; 0.05) and RFD (p &lt; 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the BP and PR time to peak force, time to peak power, and time between peaks (power and force). In the RJ30, it was observed that the initial contact time (T1) of top-elite athletes is significantly lower than that of elite athletes (p &lt; 0.05) and that power at 15 (T2) and 30 (T3) seconds is significantly higher in top-elite athletes (T2, p &lt; 0.05; T3, p &lt; 0.01). The main effect of the performance group was significant in contact time (p &lt; 0.05), and the main effect of time was statistically significant in jump height (p &lt; 0.001), power (p &lt; 0.001), force (p &lt; 0.001) and velocity (p &lt; 0.01). In addition, jump height (p &lt; 0.01; η2p = 0.088) and power (p &lt; 0.05; η2p = 0.068) showed a significant interaction between time and performance group. These results suggested that the observed superiority of the top-elite judo athletes in neuromuscular attributes can determine success in judo competitions. This observation reinforces that neural and metabolic profiles must be considered to increase the effectiveness of maximal power training for the upper and lower body.

Acute Effect of Kinesio Taping Applied to Gastrocnemius Muscle on Jumping Performance in Athletes and Sedentary Individuals

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of kinesio taping applied to athletes and sedentary individuals on vertical and horizontal jumping performances. Methods: The study included 20 licensed male basketball players and 20 male sedentary individuals between the ages of 18-25. Vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance were evaluated. Free jumping and squat jumping tests were applied to measure the vertical jump height. Single leg hop test was chosen for the measurement of horizontal jump distance. Single leg hop test was performed with the dominant foot. Tests after kinesio taping were performed 10 minutes after facilitation technique was applied to gastrocnemius muscle. Results: A comparison of the pre- and post-taping data in the athlete group revealed a significant increase in both squat jump and single leg hop tests (p&amp;lt;0.05). In the sedentary group, there was a significant increase only in the single leg hop test compared to before taping (p&amp;lt;0.05). All pretest and posttest values of the athlete group were higher than the sedentary group (p&amp;gt;0.05). In terms of the performance increases after kinesio taping, the increases in the athlete group were higher for all tests compared to the sedentary group (p&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusions: Our study revealed that kinesio taping can improve jumping performance in both athletes and sedentary individuals. We think that kinesio taping could improve the performance especially in sports where jumping movements are frequently used such as basketball.

Is There an Effect of the Trampoline Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Portugal?

Trampoline-based therapies have demonstrated the potential to enhance motor skills in children with autism by promoting the development of control, stability, and muscle power. This research aimed to investigate the impact of different trampoline therapies on motor abilities competency, lower limb muscle power, and body mass index (BMI) in a group of 25 children with autism (aged 6.9 ± 2.3 years old). Respondents were separated into two groups to participate in the experiment: Group A consisted of six children who underwent a 20-week program, while Group B comprised eight children who received a 32-week program. Additionally, an 11-member control group received no treatment. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Ability-2 otherwise stated (BOT-2), the Standing Long Jump test, and Mass Index of Body (BMI) assessments was administered at three time points: baseline (T1), during the program (T2), and after the program (T3). The results showed that both experimental groups demonstrated significant improvements scores in BOT-2 and lengthy standing jump workout performance after 20 and 32 weeks of trampoline-based therapy, respectively, compared to the control group. However, there were no significant changes in mass index of body before and after the programs in any of the three groups. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that engaging in trampoline training for a minimum duration of 20 weeks could potentially serve as an efficacious therapeutic approach to enhance motor skills among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Field-based fitness measures improve via an immersive virtual reality exergaming platform: a randomized controlled trial

While there has been a recent onslaught of traditional lab-based fitness measures in immersive virtual reality (IVR) exergaming research, there remains a paucity in the field-based fitness domain, which refers to assessments made outside a formal laboratory setting which are easier, cheaper, and have more practical application. This study aimed to assess changes in field-based fitness tests including the 1-mile run, 20-m dash, multiple single-leg hop-stabilization test, Abalakov jump, and 5-10-5 Pro Agility test during a 1-month workout protocol and to compare differences between groups assigned to either an IVR machine-directed exergaming platform or a traditional, self-directed cable-resistance training control (SELF). Eighteen (7 females) college-aged participants with little resistance training experience were randomized to IVR or SELF and worked out thrice weekly for 4 weeks (12 sessions). Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed for continuous variables to assess significance. Compared to SELF, the IVR group had significantly better performance improvements in 20 m dash (−0.1s vs. 0.0s, p = 0.022), 5-10-5 Pro Agility Test (−0.1s vs. −0.0s, p = 0.003), Abalakov Jump (5.8 cm vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.0013), 1-Mile Run (−11.0s vs. −2.0s, p = 0.008), and Multiple Single-Leg Hop-Stabilization Test with their dominant (−9.0s vs. 1.0s, p = 0.0015) and non-dominant (−8.0s vs. 1.0s, p = 0.003) legs. This training study demonstrates that IVR exergaming, more so than those that traditionally resistance train (SELF), can improve many field-based fitness components including agility, balance and stability, speed/acceleration, cardiovascular endurance, and lower-body power.

Double-Leg and Single-Leg Jump Test Reference Values for Athletes With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Who Play Popular Pivoting Sports, Including Soccer and Basketball: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize and present reference values for double-leg and single-leg jump tests in healthy athletes who play pivoting sports, and athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) who play pivoting sports. DESIGN: Scoping review. LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science until April 7, 2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: We included reference values in 2 different categories: (1) double-leg and/or single-leg jump test outcomes in pivoting-sport athletes with ACLR at a specific time point during rehabilitation, and (2) double-leg and/or single-leg jump test outcomes in healthy pivoting-sport athletes. DATA SYNTHESIS: We performed data synthesis for reference values from double-leg jump tests (squat jump and countermovement jump) and single-leg jump tests (vertical hop, single hop for distance, triple hop for distance, crossover hop for distance, medial triple hop for distance, lateral triple hop for distance, 6-m timed hop, side hop, drop jump, and 10-second repeated hop) that were performed according to a standardized test description. We summarized the data for type of sport, sex, sport participation level, and age group. RESULTS: Of the 27 included studies, nine reported reference values from healthy soccer players, six from healthy basketball players, and eleven from other healthy pivoting-sport athletes. LSI dominant/nondominant (LSI-D/ND) ranged between 97% and 106% for healthy soccer players, and between 99% and 120% for healthy basketball players. Four studies reported reference values from pivoting-sport athletes with ACLR from 7 to 10 months postsurgery. CONCLUSION: This scoping review summarizes double-leg and single-leg jump test reference values for athletes who play common pivoting sports, including soccer and basketball. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2024;54(6):1-14. Epub 20 March 2024. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12374.

Assessment approaches in undergraduate health professions education: towards the development of feasible assessment approaches for low-resource settings

BackgroundFeasible and effective assessment approaches to measuring competency in health sciences are vital in competency-based education. Educational programmes for health professions in low- and middle-income countries are increasingly adopting competency-based education as a strategy for training health professionals. Importantly, the organisation of assessments and assessment approaches must align with the available resources and still result in the fidelity of implementation. A review of existing assessment approaches, frameworks, models, and methods is essential for the development of feasible and effective assessment approaches in low-resource settings.MethodsPublished literature was sourced from 13 electronic databases. The inclusion criteria were literature published in English between 2000 and 2022 about assessment approaches to measuring competency in health science professions. Specific data relating to the aims of each study, its location, population, research design, assessment approaches (including the outcome of implementing such approaches), frameworks, models, and methods were extracted from the included literature. The data were analysed through a multi-step process that integrated quantitative and qualitative approaches.ResultsMany articles were from the United States and Australia and reported on the development of assessment models. Most of the articles included undergraduate medical or nursing students. A variety of models, theories, and frameworks were reported and included the Ideal model, Predictive Learning Assessment model, Amalgamated Student Assessment in Practice (ASAP) model, Leadership Outcome Assessment (LOA) model, Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator (RIME) framework, the Quarter model, and the model which incorporates four assessment methods which are Triple Jump Test, Essay incorporating critical thinking questions, Multistation Integrated Practical Examination, and Multiple Choice Questions (TEMM) model. Additional models and frameworks that were used include the Entrustable Professional Activities framework, the System of Assessment framework, the Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator (RIME) framework, the Clinical Reasoning framework (which is embedded in the Amalgamated Student Assessment in Practice (ASAP) model), Earl’s Model of Learning, an assessment framework based on the Bayer–Fetzer Kalamazoo Consensus Statement, Bloom's taxonomy, the Canadian Medical Education Directions for Specialists (CanMEDS) Framework, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) framework, the Dreyfus Developmental Framework, and Miller's Pyramid.ConclusionAn analysis of the assessment approaches, frameworks, models, and methods applied in health professions education lays the foundation for the development of feasible and effective assessment approaches in low-resource settings that integrate competency-based education.Trial registrationThis study did not involve any clinical intervention. Therefore, trial registration was not required.