Standing Broad Jump Research Articles

Lower-body power, linear speed, and change-of-direction speed in Division I collegiate women's volleyball players.

Volleyball players need to sprint and change direction during a match. Lower-body power, often measured by jump tests, could contribute to faster movements. How different jumps relate to linear and change-of-direction (COD) speed has not been analyzed in Division I (DI) collegiate women’s volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players completed the vertical jump (VJ), two-step approach jump (AppJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Peak power and power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM) were derived from VJ and AppJ height; relative SBJ was derived from SBJ distance. Linear speed was measured via a 20-m sprint (0–10 and 0–20 m intervals); COD speed was measured using the pro-agility shuttle. Pearson’s correlations (p < 0.05) calculated relationships between the power variables, and speed tests. There were no significant relationships between the power variables and the 0–10 m sprint interval. Greater VJ height (r = -0.534) and P:BM (r = -0.557) related to a faster 0–20 m sprint interval. This be due to a greater emphasis on the stretch-shortening cycle to generate speed over 20 m. However, although a 20-m sprint may provide a measure of general athleticism, the distance may not be specific to volleyball. This was also indicated as the AppJ did not relate to any of the speed tests. Nonetheless, VJ height and P:BM, and SBJ distance and relative SBJ, all negatively correlated with the proagility shuttle (r = -0.548 to -0.729). DI women’s collegiate volleyball players could develop absolute and relative power in the vertical and horizontal planes to enhance COD speed.

The association of foot type and foot orthoses to jump performance and lower limb biomechanics in basketball players with and without flat feet

Introduction: Jumping is one of the most common maneuvers performed by basketball players. Flat-footed individuals are believed to have poorer ankle control compared to normal-arched individuals, which may impact jump performance. Foot orthoses are commonly used to support the deformed foot arch and restore normal foot function. However, it is unclear if foot orthoses use improves jump performance. Our study aims to investigate if foot type and/or foot orthoses influence countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ) performance and lower limb biomechanics in basketball players.

Lower-Body Power Relationships to Linear Speed, Change-of-Direction Speed, and High-Intensity Running Performance in DI Collegiate Women's Basketball Players.

Basketball players need to sprint and change direction, and lower-body power (often measured by jump tests) should contribute. How different jumps relate to linear and change-of-direction (COD) speed, and high-intensity running has not been analyzed in Division I (DI) collegiate women’s basketballers. Twelve players completed the vertical jump (VJ), two-step approach jump (AppJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Average (AvgP) and peak power (PeakP), and PeakP: body mass (P:BM) were derived from VJ height; relative SBJ was derived from SBJ distance. Players also completed: 10 m and ¾ court sprints (linear speed), the pro-agility shuttle (COD speed), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1; high-intensity running). Pearson’s correlations (p < 0.05) calculated relationships between the jump and running tests. The AppJ correlated to the ¾ court sprint and pro-agility shuttle (r = -.663 to -.805). AvgP and PeakP correlated to the 10 m sprint, ¾ court sprint, and pro-agility shuttle (r = .589-.766). P:BM and relative SBJ correlated with all running tests (linear and COD speed r = -.620 to -.805; YYIRT1 r = .622.803). The AppJ stresses the stretch-shortening capacities of the legs, and this quality is important for faster linear and COD speed. AvgP and PeakP are influenced by body mass; while larger athletes produce greater power, they also may display slower 10 m sprint and pro-agility shuttle times, and lesser YYIRT1 performance. Strength coaches should ensure players can generate high relative power (i.e. P:BM, relative SBJ) for faster linear and COD speed, and high-intensity running.

The physical features suitable for classical ballet training.

The aim of this study was to determine the prerequisite physical features of classical ballet education. Students who enrolled and were rejected for the applications of State Conservatory Ballet Main Art Branch in the academic year 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 were compared with their exam results. This study involves defining the physical ability and determining physical fitness by using Eurofit tests including the Flamingo Balance test (FB), Plate Tapping (PT), Sit and Reach (SITR), Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), Handgrip test (HG), Sit Up in 30 Seconds (SU) and Shuttle Run 10 × 5 meter (SR), Heath-Carter somatotyping method and anthropometric measurements which determine ballet students' body type and physical abilities. Sixty-nine girls between 8-11 years old who applied for ballet education at the State Conservatory Ballet Main Art Branch were included in the study. While the average of age, height and weight measurements of enrolled students were 9.40 ± 0.74 year, 1.38 ± 0.08 m and 30.03 ± 4.73 kg respectively, the same dimensions were found in rejected students, i.e. 9.79 ± 0.94 year, 1.40 ± 0.10 m and 35.59 ± 7.31 kg respectively. Measurements of diameter, circumference and subcutaneous fat were lower (p< 0.05) for enrolled students. The major body type of enrolled students was identified as mesomorphy, whereas the major body type of rejected students was identified as endomorphy. All dimensions of the Eurofit tests, except the strength test, were significantly different in enrolled students (p< 0.05). The parameters used in this study can be convenient in objectively evaluating classical ballet education.

Effects of sleep extension on cognitive/motor performance and motivation in military tactical athletes

ObjectiveInvestigate the immediate and residual impacts of sleep extension in tactical athletes. MethodsA randomized controlled trial (Sleep extension = EXT vs Control = CON) was conducted on 50 (EXT: 20.12 ± 2.01 years vs CON: 19.76 ± 1.09 years) tactical athletes enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Participants wore actigraphs for 15 consecutive nights and completed a cognitive/motor battery after seven habitual sleep nights, after four sleep extension nights, and after the resumption of habitual sleep for four nights. The CON group remained on habitual sleep schedules for the entire study. ResultsDuring the intervention, the EXT group significantly increased mean sleep time (1.36 ± 0.71 h, p < 0.001). After sleep extension, there were significant between-group differences on the mean score change since baseline in Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) reaction time (p = 0.026), Trail Making Test (TMT) – B time (p = 0.027), standing broad jump (SBJ) distance (p < 0.001), and motivation levels [to perform the cognitive tasks (p = 0.003) and the SBJ (p = 0.009)]; with the EXT group showing a greater enhancement in performance/motivation. After resuming habitual sleep schedules, significant between-group differences on the mean score change since baseline persisted on SBJ distance (p = 0.001) and motivation to perform the SBJ (p = 0.035), with the EXT showing greater enhancement in performance/motivation. ConclusionIncreasing sleep duration in military tactical athletes resulted in immediate performance benefits in psychomotor vigilance, executive functioning, standing broad jump distance, and motivation levels. Benefits on motor performance were evident four days after resumption of habitual sleep schedules. Military tactical athletes aiming to optimize their overall performance should consider the impact of longer sleep durations when feasible.

An Analysis over Physical and Physiological Parameters of Elementary School Children Taking Part in A Sport Climbing Exercise

This study is intended to analyze any improvement in flexibility, balance, strength (hand, grip, arm, torso, leg) and physiological (body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage) parameters for elementary school children with no background of sport climbing in a sport climbing training they attend. The physical and physiological parameters of the subjects were measured at the outset of the study and at the end of month two. Height (H), body weight (W), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), Flamingo Balance Test (FBT) for balance, Sit and Reach Test (SRT) for flexibility, Standing Broad Jump (SBJ) for explosive leg power, Sit-Ups Test (SUT) to be performed in 30 seconds for abdominal strength, Bent Arm Hang (BAH) test for endurance, hand grip strength (HGS) test for grip, and 10 x 5 meter shuttle run (SR) tests for sprint speed were conducted as a part of preliminary and posttests. The subjects took part in a 90-minute sport climbing exercise on a daily basis. The results of the preliminary and posttests pointed to a significant difference of p<.001 in body weight, body mass index, balance, flexibility, torso strength, arm strength, grip strength and sprint speed, and of p<.005 in body fat percentage. There was no significant difference between preliminary and post test results of the students who did not take part in any sport climbing exercise. In conclusion, physical and physiological parameters of students who take up sport climbing as early as in an elementary school do improve.

Identifying the optimal body shape and composition associated with strength outcomes in children and adolescent according to place of residence: An allometric approach

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the study was to identify the optimal body shape and composition associated with physical fitness levels of children living in urban and rural areas of Italy. A total of 7102 children (11–14 years) were assessed for weight, height, percentage body fat (FM%), sit-and-reach flexibility (SAR), standing broad jump (SBJ) and sit-ups (SUP). A multiplicative allometric model, Y = a · massk1 · heightk2 ·ε, was used to predict the physical outcome variables Y = SBJ and SUP. The model was expanded to incorporate FM% and SAR as follows Y = a · massk1 · heightk2 · FM%k3 · exp(b· FM% + c· SAR) ·ε. Note that FM% was incorporated as a “gamma function” that allows an initial growth, and subsequent decline in Y as FM% increases in size. Although having an ectomorph body shape appears advantageous, being too thin appears detrimental to the strength outcomes. Being flexible would also benefit physical fitness levels. Finally, our results indicate that ursban children aged 11–14 have superior strength outcomes compared with rural children, having controlled for differences in body shape and composition, a finding that may be associated with rural environments having fewer exercise facilities compared with urban conurbations.

Foot orthoses alter lower limb biomechanics but not jump performance in basketball players with and without flat feet

BackgroundFlat-footed individuals are believed to have poorer jump performance compared to normal-arched individuals. Foot orthoses are commonly used to support the deformed foot arch, and improve normal foot function. However, it is unclear if foot orthoses use affects jump performance in athletes. Our study aims to investigate if foot type and/or foot orthosis influence countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ) performance and lower limb biomechanics.MethodsTwenty-six male basketball players were classified into normal-arched (n = 15) or flat-footed (n = 11) groups using the Chippaux-Smirak index, navicular drop test, and the resting calcaneal angle measurement. They performed jumps with and without prefabricated foot orthoses. We measured jump height and distance for CMJ and SBJ, respectively. Hip, knee and ankle joint angles, angular velocities, moments and powers during take-off were also measured.ResultsFor CMJ, the flat-footed group exhibited less ankle plantarflexion (F1,24 = 8.407, p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.259 large effect) and less hip joint power (F1,24 = 7.416, p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.244 large effect) than the normal-arched group. Foot orthoses reduced ankle eversion in both groups (F1,24 = 6.702, p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.218 large effect). For SBJ, the flat-footed group produced lower peak hip angular velocity (F1,24 = 7.115, p = 0.013, ηp2 = 0.229 large effect) and generated lower horizontal GRF (F1,24 = 5.594, p = 0.026, ηp2 = 0.189 large effect) than the normal-arched group. Wearing foot orthoses reduced ankle eversion (F1,24 = 5.453, p = 0.028, ηp2 = 0.185 large effect), peak horizontal GRF (F1,24 = 13.672, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.363 large effect) and frontal plane ankle moment (F1,24 = 4.932, p = 0.036, ηp2 = 0.170 large effect).ConclusionFoot type and the use of foot orthoses influence take-off biomechanics, but not actual CMJ and SBJ performances in basketball players. Compared to the normal-arched individuals, flat-footed athletes generated smaller propulsion GRF and lower hip flexion velocity and power, which suggests possible compensatory movement strategies to maximise jump performance. Future studies may investigate whether these altered biomechanics, taking into consideration their respective magnitude and effect sizes, may have implications on lower limb injuries. The use of foot orthoses resulted in biomechanical changes in both the normal-arched and flat-footed groups but does not enhance jumping performance.

Age-related influence on physical fitness and individual on-duty task performance of Portuguese male non-elite police officers.

(a) to analyse the effect of age on physical fitness (PF) and on-duty task (ODT) performance of male police officers (PO); (b) to analyse the relationship between PF and ODT performance of male PO; and (c) to identify the set of PF attributes which better predicts the ODT performance of male PO. A total of 97 Portuguese male non-elite PO (Public Security Police) took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants were allocated to four age categories (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and >49 years old), and performed fourteen PF evaluations and one on-duty task simulation test (ODT-ST). MANOVA, partial correlations and multiple linear regression analysis were used. We observed (a) a significant decrease of performance with aging (PF attributes, partial eta-squared=0.763; total time on ODT-ST, partial eta-squared=0.498); (b) significant positive associations between body mass index and fat mass with total time on ODT-ST; (c) a significant negative association between standing broad jump (SBJ), sit-up, push-up, bench-press ratio and aerobic capacity with total time on ODT-ST; and (d) that SBJ, abdominal muscular endurance and aerobic capacity were significant predictors of total time on ODT-ST (R2=0.983). PF attributes and ODT performance of Portuguese male non-elite PO decrease significantly with aging. To prevent the observed decrease of performance it seems advisable to implement regular strength and conditioning programmes, which should include muscular power, core strength and aerobic fitness development, to maintain physical capacity and occupational duties.

Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics in School Children: A Comparison of Urban and Rural Areas in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The objective of the study is to compare physical fitness between urban and rural school children and to determine relationship between body mass index and physical fitness primary school children in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This study is a cross-sectional study and conducted in primary schools. Anthropometric measurement involved weight and height measurement, and body mass index (BMI) calculation. Fitness test that were measured are power and flexibility. Power was measured by using Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), and flexibility test was measured using Sit and Reach Test (SRT). Total number of subjects were 14880, 71% (n=10532) were classified in normal BMI, and remaining 10% (n=1423) were in obesity; 9% (n=1303) were overweight, 8% (n=1164) were underweight; and 3% (n=458) were in severe thinness. In school area category, 59% (n=8769) rural school children and 41% (n=6111) urban school children. In conclusion, the current study found flexibility had shown a difference in area of school where urban school children performed slightly better than that of rural with F-value 2.09 (Pr>F= 0.15; p<0.05). It also showed a significant negative correlation between BMI and power (r=-0.12) with p-value was 0.0001. However, there was no significant difference in power with areas of school, and no correlation between flexibility and BMI.

The Comparison of Children’s Anthropometrics and Motor Performance Relative Body Mass Index using Principle Component Analysis

This study aims to compare dominant factors of anthropometrics and motor component among children relative body mass index. A total 5819 primary school children (3243 boys and 2576 girls) aged 7.30±0.28 years old were subdivided into four groups according their Body Mass Index (BMI) namely underweight group (UWG), normal weight group (NWG), overweight group (OWG) and obese group (OBG). The parameters involved in this study are weight, height, standing broad jump (SBJ), sit and reach (SAR), hand wall toss (HWT) and 20 meter run (20MR). Method of Principle Components Analysis (PCA) was employed to ascertain the domain factors parameters for each BMI group. For boys and girls, initial PCA identifies two components with higher Eigen value (&gt; 1). In first component VF1 for boys and girls, PCA after varimax rotation revealed two varifactors that are weight (&gt; 0.90) and height (&gt; 0.80) for all BMI group. Otherwise, second component VF2 for boys and girls revealed high factor loading on low muscular strength, hand-eye coordination and speed. This study indicates there is direct effect between motor proficiency and BMI among preschool population and revealed that primary school children with high body mass may have lower motor proficiency on explosive strength, coordination and speed compared with normal body mass.

Relationships and Reliability Between a Drive Block Test and Traditional Football Performance Tests in High School Offensive Line Players.

Collins, KS, Coburn, JW, Galpin, AJ, and Lockie, RG. Relationships and reliability between a drive block test and traditional football performance tests in high school offensive line players. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3432-3441, 2018-The offensive line (OL) is a specialized football position responsible for blocking tasks. Little research exists on OL-specific movements and relationships to performance tests in high school players. This study investigated the reliability of the average and peak velocity (avgV, peakV) and momentum (avgM, peakM) of a drive block test (DBT) in 15 high school OL and relationships to performance tests. A linear position transducer attached to the OL waist measured the DBT from a 3-point stance into a blocking pad. Linear speed was measured by a 36.58-m sprint. Change-of-direction (COD) ability was measured by the pro-agility shuttle (first COD, second COD, and total time) and COD deficit from the first (COD deficit 1) and second COD (COD deficit 2) of the pro-agility shuttle. Vertical jump, standing broad jump (SBJ), and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) back squat were also measured. Pearson's correlations (p < 0.05) investigated relationships between the DBT and performance tests. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), dependent t-tests, and coefficient of variation (CV) assessed DBT reliability. Drive block test variables were reliable (ICC > 0.90; CV = 6.46-8.29%) and correlated with the second pro-agility shuttle COD and COD deficit 2 (r = -0.515 to -0.721). One repetition maximum back squat correlated with avgM and peakM (r = 0.551-0.582); SBJ correlated with avgV and peakV (r = 0.557-0.571). The pro-agility shuttle splits, COD deficit, and SBJ may provide useful information about DBT qualities important for high school OL. It is recommended high school OL training focus on strength, COD performance, and jumping ability to aid drive block performance.

Forecasting the development of explosive leg power in youth soccer players

ABSTRACTPurpose: Monitoring athletic development in youth soccer can help sporting professionals monitor athletic development and evaluate the effectiveness of training interventions. However, long-term follow up in talent development programmes in youth soccer is complicated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to forecast the developmental trajectories of explosive leg power in youth soccer players. Methods: Mixed effects regression models were used to forecast explosive leg power (countermovement (CMJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ)) in a longitudinal sample of 2201 youth soccer players from two high level Belgian acedemies and the Belgian National teams. Players were aged between 6 and 20 years (mean age = 13.04 ± 3.18 y) and were subdivided into three age cohorts (6–10, 11–15, and 16–20 y) for CMJ and two age cohorts (6–16, and 17–20 y) for SBJ. Results: This study was able to accurately forecast explosive leg power using different regression equations in each age cohort. Conclusions: Researchers, coaches, and sporting professionals can use these methods to either predict future explosive leg power from current performance measures, monitor the development of explosive leg power, or assess the effectiveness of training interactions aimed at altering predicted developmental trajectories.

Time for change: Fitness and strength can be improved and sustained in adolescents with low motor competence

BackgroundThere are few exercise interventions focused on adolescents with low motor competence and most interventions are short with little follow up and engagement over time. Methods and proceduresFifty-eight adolescents with low motor competence (39 males, Mean Age = 13.6, SD = 1.4 years) attended an exercise clinic twice a week for each 13 week program. Two programs ran each year, and participants attended for as long as they felt progress was made or they turned 18 years of age. Performance on the Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT), Curl-ups, Grip Strength, 1RM Leg press and Chest Press, Vertical Jump and Standing Broad Jump (SBJ) were recorded pre and post each program for up to six years.Linear Mixed Modelling (LMM) determined changes in fitness measures over time whilst adjusting for gender, age and Neuromuscular Developmental Index (McCarron, 1997). ResultsAll fitness measures increased, and specifically four of the seven fitness outcomes showed significant improvement over time (MSFT,p = 0.011; curl-ups, p < 0.001, grip strength p = 0.003, and SBJ p = 0.006). ConclusionAn individually tailored regular exercise program in a supportive environment can achieve exercise adherence and sustainable improvements in fitness outcomes for adolescents with low motor competence. Future research should consider the addition of a comparison LMC control group to increase understanding of the intervention effect.

Fitness differences according to BMI categories: a new point of view.

Many studies have reported negative association between fitness level and BMI categories but the lack of body weight correction and the systematic use of physical endurance test made these differences controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was the assessment of physical fitness level associated to BMI using alternative tests. BMI was calculated as body mass/stature2 while fitness level was assessed using field test. In particular, Sit and Reach (SAR), Standing Broad Jump (SBJ), Shuttle Run Test 5 mx 10 (SHR), Sit ups (SUP), Bent arm hang (BAH) were assessed in 2545 students. Subsequently, normal weight/overweight/obesity/underweight/thinness students were classified according to the cut-off points defined in literature and then the relative fitness results. The performances in SBJ showed very low differences between BMI categories such as for SUP test. The effects size in SHR were low or close to moderate while in BAH thin students revealed high performance than normal/overweight peers. In SAR test no clear trends in the BMI categories were observed. All test (exluding BAH) were similar for normal, overweight and thin students. This finding can be useful to teachers to encourage over/under-weighted students to adopt active life style because they are close to normal weight counterparts.

Physical Fitness Evaluation of School Children in Southern Italy: A Cross Sectional Evaluation

The aim of this work was to evaluate the fitness levels of different physical components in schoolchildren in southern Italy and identify age-related effects of physical performance. One hundred and fifty-four schoolchildren with ages ranging between 6 and 10 years (age 8.1 ± 1.45 years; 33.70 ± 10.25 kg; 131.50 ± 13.60 cm) were recruited for the investigation. Each scholar underwent a fitness-test battery composed of five elements. A Hand-Grip Strength Test to assess the strength of the hand muscles, a Standing Broad Jump Test to assess lower body explosive strength, a Sit-Up Test to exhaustion to evaluate abdominal muscular endurance, a 4 × 10-m Shuttle Run Test to assess agility, and a 20-m sprint test to assess speed. Cross-sectional analysis revealed that boys perform better than girls and that age affects performance. Lower limb measures show a significant increase after 8 years of age, whereas upper limb measures show a significant increase at 7 and 10 years of age. No age-related differences were found in muscular endurance measures. It is possible to consider age-related performance measures to program exercise interventions that follow the growth characteristics of schoolchildren.

Physical Strength by Mental Health Profile in School-Aged Boys and Girls

Mental health can play an important role in the development of a good health-related physical fitness, especially during physical education (PE) classes. In fact, kids with low self-esteem and psychological wellness are often inclined to avoid carrying out physical assignments in front of their peers due to the fear to be ridiculed. Similar psychological processes occur in children with high stress and anxiety associated to exercising. This could have a negative impact on the development of an appropriate level of strength, which is considered an important indicator of wellbeing at all ages. PURPOSE: To assess primary school boys’ and girls’ physical strength associated to mental health profiles. METHODS: A sample of 189 children (88 boys, 101 girls) aged 10-11 participated in the study. Physical strength measurements were carried out according to EUROFIT protocol, and included 30-sec sit-ups (SU), standing broad jump (SBJ), bent arm hang (BAH), and handgrip (HG) tests. In addition, participants were asked to fill self-esteem, psychological wellbeing, anxiety, and stress questionnaires. RESULTS: Cluster analyses evidenced two main profiles in boys: “partial psychopathology” (PP) and “partial mental health” (PMH). Participants showing the former profile had lower scores in SU (PP: 13.09; PMH: 17.89), SBJ (PP: 96.89; PMH: 123.57), BAH (PP: 3.91; PMH: 8.74), and HG (PP: 12.15; PMH: 14.60). Both profiles had low scores in relation with cut-off points for their age. Girls only belonged to PP, also showing lower results than expected at their age (SU = 15.22; SBJ = 111.59; BAH = 7.27; HG = 12.25). CONCLUSIONS: Partial mental health is not a sufficient condition for triggering the development of healthy physical strength. PE teachers need to create the proper conditions for children to reach full mental wellbeing, which may increase their chances to achieve beneficial levels of physical fitness.

Correlation between Jump Performances and Phases of Sprinting in Indonesian Sprinters

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships jump performances and phases of sprinting in indonesian sprinters. Nine national level male sprinters participated in this study at the competitive phase. The jumping performance including standing broad jump (SBJ), vertical jump (VJ), and standing single leg hop (SSLH). Phase of sprinting determined used 30 metre sprint test for acceleration phase (AP) and determined maximal speed (MS) used flying 30 metre test. Normally distributed data were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The results show that strong correlation between SBJ and AP (r = -0,691; p=0.039). Moderate correlations were found between VJ and AP (r = -0,565; p = 0.113), and strong correlation between SSLH and AP (r = -0,729; p = 0,026). There are moderate correlation between SBJ and MS (r = 0,420; p = 0,260) and between VJ and MS (r = 0,537; p = 0,136) and strong correlation SSLH and MS (r = 0,720; p = 0.029). Overall the findings of the present study indicated that there are correlation between jumping performance, AP and MS at competitive phase. SSLH showed stronger to predict AP and MS at competitive training phase. There appears to be a relationship between jump performance and phase of sprinting in this population, but more studies with bigger population are needed to confirm these results.

Between-Session Reliability of Common Strength- and Power-Related Measures in Adolescent Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the between-session reliability of common strength- and power-related measures in adolescent athletes. Seventeen adolescent athletes (males: n = 8: age 17.1 ± 2.2 years; height 175.6 ± 3.5 cm; mass 80.2 ± 3.6 kg; females: n = 9; age 16.9 ± 2.6 years; height 178.5 ± 4.3 cm; mass 71.5 ± 4.5 kg) participated in this study. Isokinetic dynamometry, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and horizontal jumps (standing broad jump (SBJ) and single-leg hop (SLH)) were each performed twice on separate days, seven days apart. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (%CV), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD). Intraclass correlation coefficients and CV demonstrated acceptable between-session reliability for all measures (ICC > 0.63; CV < 11%), except rate of force development and impulse measures during bilateral and unilateral stance IMTP. Smallest detectable differences demonstrated that changes in performance of >7% CMJ height, >8% SLH distance, >10% in peak isometric force, and >5% in isokinetic peak torques should be considered meaningful, when assessing adolescent athletes.

Evaluation of different jumping tests in defining position-specific and performance-level differences in high level basketball players

The importance of jumping ability in basketball is well known, but there is an evident lack of studies that have examined different jumping testing protocols in basketball players at advanced levels. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of different tests of jumping capacity in identifying differences between (i) playing position and (ii) competitive levels of professional players. Participants were 110 male professional basketball players (height: 194.92±8.09 cm; body mass: 89.33±10.91 kg; 21.58±3.92 years of age; Guards, 49; Forwards, 22; Centres, 39) who competed in the first (n = 58) and second division (n = 52). The variables included anthropometrics and jumping test performance. Jumping performances were evaluated by the standing broad jump (SBJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), repeated reactive strength ability (RRSA) and four running vertical jumps: maximal jump with (i) take-off from the dominant leg and (ii) non-dominant leg, lay-up shot jump with take-off from the (iii) dominant leg and (iv) non-dominant leg. First-division players were taller (ES: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.35-1.16, moderate differences), heavier (0.69, 0.29-1.10), had higher maximal reach height (0.67, 0.26-1.07, moderate differences), and had lower body fat % (-0.87, -1.27-0.45, moderate differences) than second-division players. The playing positions differed significantly in three of four running jump achievements, RSI and RRSA, with Centres being least successful. The first-division players were superior to second-division players in SBJ (0.63, 0.23-1.03; 0.87, 0.26-1.43; 0.76, 0.11-1.63, all moderate differences, for total sample, Guards, and Forwards, respectively). Running vertical jumps and repeated jumping capacity can be used as valid measures of position-specific jumping ability in basketball. The differences between playing levels in vertical jumping achievement can be observed by assessing vertical jump scores together with differences in anthropometric indices between levels.