Roller Massage Prior to Running Does Not Affect Gait Mechanics in Well-Trained Runners

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.2021-0055 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Jessica G. Hunter ◽

Gina L. Garcia ◽

Sushant M. Ranadive ◽

Jae Kun Shim ◽

Ross H. Miller

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Force Production ◽

Endurance Athletes ◽

Jump Height ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Average Load ◽

Load Rate ◽

Free Moment ◽

Muscle Force Production

Context: Understanding if roller massage prior to a run can mitigate fatigue-related decrements in muscle force production during prolonged running is important because of the association between fatigue and running-related injury. Objective: The authors investigated whether a bout of roller massage prior to running would (1) mitigate fatigue-related increases in vertical average load rate and free moment of the ground reaction force of running and (2) mitigate decreases in maximal countermovement jump height. Design: Repeated-measures study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: A total of 14 recreational endurance athletes (11 men and 3 women) volunteered for the study. Interventions: A 12.5-minute foam roller protocol for the lower extremities and a fatiguing 30-minute treadmill run. Main Outcome Measures: Vertical average load rate, free moment, and maximal jump height before (PRE) and after (POST) the fatiguing treadmill run on separate experimental days: once where participants sat quietly prior to the fatiguing run (REST) and another where the foam roller protocol was performed prior to the run (ROLL). Results: A 2-way multiple analysis of variance found no significant differences in vertical average load rate, free moment, and jump height between PRE/POST times in both REST/ROLL conditions. Conclusions: The authors concluded that recreational endurance athletes maintain running mechanics and jump performance after a fatiguing run regardless of prerun roller massage and may not rely on prerun roller massage as a form of injury prevention.

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Effects of a Low-Load Gluteal Warm-Up on Explosive Jump Performance

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2015-0046 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (1) ◽

pp. 177-187 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Thomas Comyns ◽

Ian Kenny ◽

Gerard Scales

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Force Production ◽

Peak Power Output ◽

Future Research ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Squat Jump ◽

Warm Up ◽

Low Load ◽

Squat Jumps

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a low-load gluteal warm-up protocol on countermovement and squat jump performance. Research by Crow et al. (2012) found that a low-load gluteal warm-up could be effective in enhancing peak power output during a countermovement jump. Eleven subjects performed countermovement and squat jumps before and after the gluteal warm-up protocol. Both jumps were examined in separate testing sessions and performed 30 seconds, and 2, 4, 6 & 8 minutes post warm-up. Height jumped and peak ground reaction force were the dependent variables examined in both jumps, with 6 additional variables related to fast force production being examined in the squat jump only. All jumps were performed on a force platform (AMTI OR6-5). Repeated measures analysis of variance found a number of significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between baseline and post warm-up scores. Height jumped decreased significantly in both jumps at all rest intervals excluding 8 minutes. Improvement was seen in 7 of the 8 recorded SJ variables at the 8 minute interval. Five of these improvements were deemed statistically significant, namely time to peak GRF (43.0%), and time to the maximum rate of force development (65.7%) significantly decreased, while starting strength (63.4%), change of force in first 100 ms of contraction (49.1%) and speed strength (43.6%) significantly increased. The results indicate that a gluteal warm-up can enhance force production in squat jumps performed after 8 minutes recovery. Future research in this area should include additional warm-up intervention groups for comparative reasons.

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Auditory biofeedback decreases jump performance in figure skaters

Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior ◽

10.20338/bjmb.v8i1.66 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Joao A. C. Barros ◽

Llanel Florendo ◽

Yvonne Le

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Knee Flexion ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Cycling Performance ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Jump Height ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Figure Skaters ◽

Female Adolescence ◽

Do So

The few studies that attempted to increase jump height in figure skaters (Haguenauer et al., 2005, Law & Ste-Marie, 2005) have failed to do so. These studies did not focus on increasing knee flexion, a critical factor for jump height (Moran & Wallace, 2007, Vanezis & Lees, 2005). Auditory biofeedback has been shown to modify posture, balance and cycling performance (Dozza et al., 2011; Nicolai et al., 2010; Liu & Jensen, 2009) and could potentially be used to increase knee flexion in figure skaters. To investigate the effects of auditory biofeedback on the performance of Lutz jumps. Thirteen intermediate level female adolescence figure skaters performed 6 off-ice Lutz jumps under each of 2 conditions: 1) WITH auditory biofeedback; 2) and WITHOUT auditory biofeedback. Auditory biofeedback was provided via EMG Retrainer. Separate repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted for time in the air, knee flexion and EMG activity. Differences between conditions for time in the air (p = .012) and knee flexion (p = .049) were identified. Auditory biofeedback increased knee flexion and decreased jump height. In this case, auditory biofeedback might have directed performers attention to an internal cue disrupting performance (Wulf, 2007).

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Using an overhead target increases volleyball-specific vertical jump performance

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part P Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology ◽

10.1177/17543371211039632 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175433712110396

Author(s):

Mehmet Yildiz ◽

Zeki Akyildiz ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Deniz Yildiz

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Control Group ◽

Jump Height ◽

Long Term Effects ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Volleyball Players ◽

Vertical Jumps ◽

Regular Training

In volleyball, spikes, and block jumps are among the most important movements when earning points and impacting performance. Many studies have found a greater jump height after acutely augmented feedback and extrinsic focus of attention on vertical jump height. However, there are limited studies on the long-term effects of using an overhead target on volleyball-specific vertical jumps (block and spike jumps). Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of using an overhead target on the vertical jump heights of volleyball players. Twenty-five professional male volleyball players (age: 24.44 ± 3.78 years; height: 1.82 ± 8.79 cm; body mass: 80.96 ± 9.37 kg) were randomly assigned either to the experimental group with an overhead target (OHT) ( n = 9), group without an overhead target (WOHT) ( n = 10), or the control group ( n = 8). The OHT group performed vertical jumps with an overhead target before their regular training program, while the WOHT group completed vertical jumps without an overhead target before their regular training program. Meanwhile, the control group performed only their regular training program, which was a 5 week (3 days per week) program. All participants’ spike jump (SPJ) and block jump (BJ) results were assessed before and after the intervention. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (3 × 2) did not reveal any significant between-group interactions for SPJ and BJ ( F = 7.32, p < 0.11 and F = 1.59, p < 0.22 respectively), but significant results were found for the time effect ( F = 96.33, p < 0.01 and F = 132.25, p < 0.01 respectively) and group × time interaction ( F = 42.59, p < 0.01 and F = 61.52, p < 0.01, respectively). While the pre- and post-tests for BJ and SPJ values did not change in the control group ( p > 0.05), both of these values increased in the OHT group (60.00 ± 5.95–67.44 ± 5.98 cm, p < 0.01 for d = 1.24 and 49.00 ± 6.74–56.22 ± 5.29 cm p < 0.01 for d = 1.19, respectively) and WOHT group (57.50 ± 4.86–60.50 ± 4.99 cm, p < 0.01 for d = 0.60 and 47.75 ± 4.65–50.25 ± 3.69 cm, p < 0.01 for d = 0.59). It has been suggested that trainers and professionals can use an overhead target to increase the BJ and SPJ heights of professional volleyball players.

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Enhanced Performance With Elastic Resistance During the Eccentric Phase of a Countermovement Jump

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.8.2.181 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 181-187 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Saied Jalal Aboodarda ◽

Ashril Yusof ◽

N.A. Abu Osman ◽

Martin W. Thompson ◽

A. Halim Mokhtar

Keyword(s):

Power Output ◽

High Speed ◽

Tensile Force ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Jump Height ◽

Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Leg Stiffness ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Infrared Cameras

Purpose:To identify the effect of additional elastic force on the kinetic and kinematic characteristics, as well as the magnitude of leg stiffness, during the performance of accentuated countermovement jumps (CMJs).Methods:Fifteen trained male subjects performed 3 types of CMJ including free CMJ (FCMJ; ie, body weight), ACMJ-20, and ACMJ-30 (ie, accentuated eccentric CMJ with downward tensile force equivalent to 20% and 30% body mass, respectively). A force platform synchronized with 6 high-speed infrared cameras was used to measure vertical ground-reaction force (VGRF) and displacement.Results:Using downward tensile force during the lowering phase of a CMJ and releasing the bands at the start of the concentric phase increased maximal concentric VGRF (6.34%), power output (23.21%), net impulse (16.65%), and jump height (9.52%) in ACMJ-30 compared with FCMJ (all P < .05). However, no significant difference was observed in the magnitude of leg stiffness between the 3 modes of jump. The results indicate that using downward recoil force of the elastic material during the eccentric phase of a CMJ could be an effective method to enhance jump performance by applying a greater eccentric loading on the parallel and series elastic components coupled with the release of stored elastic energy.Conclusions:The importance of this finding is related to the proposition that power output, net impulse, takeoff velocity, and jump height are the key parameters for successful athletic performance, and any training method that improves impulse and power production may improve sports performance, particularly in jumping aspects of sport.

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Vertical Jump Biomechanics Altered With Virtual Overhead Goal

Journal of Applied Biomechanics ◽

10.1123/jab.2016-0179 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 153-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kevin R. Ford ◽

Anh-Dung Nguyen ◽

Eric J. Hegedus ◽

Jeffrey B. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Sagittal Plane ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Biomechanical Testing ◽

Real Life ◽

Jump Height ◽

Trunk Flexion ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Extrinsic Goals ◽

Angular Impulse

Virtual environments with real-time feedback can simulate extrinsic goals that mimic real life conditions. The purpose was to compare jump performance and biomechanics with a physical overhead goal (POG) and with a virtual overhead goal (VOG). Fourteen female subjects participated (age: 18.8 ± 1.1 years, height: 163.2 ± 8.1 cm, weight 63.0 ± 7.9 kg). Sagittal plane trunk, hip, and knee biomechanics were calculated during the landing and take-off phases of drop vertical jump with different goal conditions. Repeated-measures ANOVAs determined differences between goal conditions. Vertical jump height displacement was not different during VOG compared with POG. Greater hip extensor moment (P < .001*) and hip angular impulse (P < .004*) were found during VOG compared with POG. Subjects landed more erect with less magnitude of trunk flexion (P = .002*) during POG compared with VOG. A virtual target can optimize jump height and promote increased hip moments and trunk flexion. This may be a useful alternative to physical targets to improve performance during certain biomechanical testing, screening, and training conditions.

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Muscle performance during maximal isometric and dynamic contractions is influenced by the stiffness of the tendinous structures

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.01305.2004 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 99 (3) ◽

pp. 986-994 ◽

Cited By ~ 259

Author(s):

Jens Bojsen-Møller ◽

S. Peter Magnusson ◽

Lars Raundahl Rasmussen ◽

Michael Kjaer ◽

Per Aagaard

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Vastus Lateralis ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Muscle Performance ◽

Jump Height ◽

Force Transmission ◽

Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Muscle Actions ◽

Squat Jumps

Contractile force is transmitted to the skeleton through tendons and aponeuroses, and, although it is appreciated that the mechanocharacteristics of these tissues play an important role for movement performance with respect to energy storage, the association between tendon mechanical properties and the contractile muscle output during high-force movement tasks remains elusive. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relation between the mechanical properties of the connective tissue and muscle performance in maximal isometric and dynamic muscle actions. Sixteen trained men participated in the study. The mechanical properties of the vastus lateralis tendon-aponeurosis complex were assessed by ultrasonography. Maximal isometric knee extensor force and rate of torque development (RTD) were determined. Dynamic performance was assessed by maximal squat jumps and countermovement jumps on a force plate. From the vertical ground reaction force, maximal jump height, jump power, and force-/velocity-related determinants of jump performance were obtained. RTD was positively related to the stiffness of the tendinous structures ( r = 0.55, P < 0.05), indicating that tendon mechanical properties may account for up to 30% of the variance in RTD. A correlation was observed between stiffness and maximal jump height in squat jumps and countermovement jumps ( r = 0.64, P < 0.05 and r = 0.55, P < 0.05). Power, force, and velocity parameters obtained during the jumps were significantly correlated to tendon stiffness. These data indicate that muscle output in high-force isometric and dynamic muscle actions is positively related to the stiffness of the tendinous structures, possibly by means of a more effective force transmission from the contractile elements to the bone.

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The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Fatigue in Vertical Jump Performance and Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Measures

Vibration ◽

10.3390/vibration4040042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 759-767

Author(s):

Nicole C. Dabbs ◽

Sergio Espericueta ◽

Sean Bonilla ◽

Margaret T. Jones

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Whole Body ◽

Lower Body ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Main Effect ◽

Low Amplitude ◽

Main Effects ◽

Active Adults

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of coupling WBV and acute muscular fatigue to determine its effects on countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) performance and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Twenty-eight healthy active adults volunteered for five-day study. Testing sessions 2–5 included one of four conditions: No WBV and no fatigue (CON), WBV and fatigue (WBV + FAT), WBV and no fatigue (WBV), and no WBV and fatigue (FAT). WBV was performed using a frequency of 50 Hz and a low amplitude while performing quarter squats for a total of 4 min with a 30 s rest or work ratio. Lower-body fatigue induced using Bosco fatigue protocol. CMVJ and IMTP were performed on force plates. SPSS was used to perform a 2 × 2 Repeated Measures ANOVA. Significant main effects were found for fatigue in CMVJ-height and CMVJ-peak ground reaction force, no significant main effect for WBV, and no significant interactions. Lower-body fatigue decreases vertical jump performance, and WBV did not attenuate the detrimental effects of lower-body fatigue.

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Force Production and Reactive Strength Capabilities After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-43.3.249 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (3) ◽

pp. 249-257 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Eamonn P. Flanagan ◽

Lorcan Galvin ◽

Andrew J. Harrison

Keyword(s):

Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽

Acl Reconstruction ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Cruciate Ligament ◽

Reaction Force ◽

Force Production ◽

Limiting Factors ◽

Normative Values ◽

Control Group ◽

Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Context: Ambiguity exists in the literature regarding whether individuals can restore function to 100% after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The response of force production and reactive strength in stretch-shortening cycle activities after surgery has not been established. Objective: To compare reactive strength and force production capabilities between the involved and uninvolved legs of participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation with the reactive strength and force production capabilities of a control group. Design: Repeated measures, cross-sectional. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Ten participants with ACL reconstructions who had returned to their chosen sports and 10 age-matched and activity-matched control subjects. Intervention(s): We screened the ACL group with the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form and functional performance tests to measure a basic level of function. We assessed force production capabilities and reactive strength using squat, countermovement, drop, and rebound jump protocols on a force sledge apparatus. Main Outcome Measure(s): The dependent variables were flight time, peak vertical ground reaction force, leg spring stiffness, and reactive strength index. Results: No participant in the ACL group exhibited functional deficits in comparison with normative values or the control group. Using the force sledge apparatus, we found no notable differences in force production capabilities and reactive strength in the ACL group when comparing the involved with uninvolved legs or the degree of difference between legs with the control group. Conclusions: After ACL reconstruction, rehabilitated participants did not exhibit deficits in force production or reactive strength capabilities. Our results suggest that force production and reactive strength capabilities can be restored to levels comparable with the uninjured control limb and may not be limiting factors in ACL recovery.

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Effect of an Arm Swing on Countermovement Vertical Jump Performance in Elite Volleyball Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2016-0009 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. 41-50 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Frantisek Vaverka ◽

Daniel Jandačka ◽

David Zahradník ◽

Jaroslav Uchytil ◽

Roman Farana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Position ◽

Vertical Jump ◽

Reaction Force ◽

The Body ◽

Jump Height ◽

Vertical Ground Reaction Force ◽

Average Force ◽

Jump Performance ◽

Arm Swing ◽

Volleyball Players

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine how elite volleyball players employed the arm swing (AS) to enhance their jump performance. The study assessed how the AS influenced the duration and magnitude of the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) during the main phases (preparatory, braking and accelerating) of the countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ), the starting position of the body at the beginning of the accelerating phase and the moment when the AS began contributing to increasing the jump height. Eighteen elite volleyball players performed three CMVJs with and without an AS. Kinetics and kinematics data were collected using two Kistler force plates and the C-motion system. The time and force variables were evaluated based on the VGRF, and the position of the body and the trajectory of the arm movement were determined using kinematic analysis. The AS improved the CMVJ by increasing the jump height by 38% relative to jumping without an AS. The AS significantly shortened the braking phase and prolonged the accelerating phase, however, it did not influence the preparatory phase or the overall jump duration. The AS also significantly increased the average force during the accelerating phase as well as the accelerating impulse. The AS upward began at 76% into the overall jump duration. The AS did not influence the body position at the beginning of the accelerating phase. These findings can be used to improve performance of the CMVJ with the AS and in teaching beginning volleyball players proper jumping technique.

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