Proximal-to-Distal Sequencing in Vertical Jumping With and Without Arm Swing

Abstract

Vertical jumping performance is dependent on muscle strength and motor skill. An understanding of motor skill strategies and their influence on jumping mechanics provides insight into how to improve performance. This study aimed to determine whether kinematic sequencing strategy influenced jump height, the effect of sequencing on jumping mechanics, and whether arm swing influences sequencing strategy. Women volleyball players (n = 16) performed vertical jumps with and without arm swing on force platforms while recorded with a 6-camera motion capture system. Sequencing strategy was determined as the relative time delay between pelvis and knee extension. A long time delay indicated a proximal-to-distal strategy, whereas no time delay represented a simultaneous strategy. Longer relative time delay was correlated with higher jump height in jumps with (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and without arm swing (r = 0.58, p = 0.02). Longer relative time delay and higher jump height were associated with greater hip extensor and ankle plantar flexor net joint moments (NJM), and greater ratio of concentric to eccentric knee extensor NJM (p ≤ 0.05). Longer relative time delay and higher jump height were correlated with greater thigh and leg angular accelerations (p ≤ 0.05). These kinetic and kinematic variables, along with relative time delay and jump height were greater in jumps with arm swing than without (p ≤ 0.05), indicating arm swing promotes use of a proximal-to-distal strategy. Use of a proximal-to-distal strategy is associated with greater NJM and segment accelerations, which may contribute to better vertical jump performance.

Angular Velocity, Moment, and Power Analysis of the Ankle, Knee, and Hip Joints in the Goalkeeper's Diving Save in Football

“…In accordance with our first hypothesis, both the contralateral and ipsilateral legs followed roughly a proximal-to-distal sequence in peak joint powers. This is in agreement with findings of Chiu et al (2014), analyzing lower limb coordination in a vertical jump task. They found that a proximal-to-distal sequence allows the athlete to generate larger hip extensor, knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor net joint moments, resulting in larger angular accelerations and pelvis linear acceleration.…”

“…The push-off that is present in these skills, is a common pattern found in jumping movements. Previous biomechanical studies that observed jumping movements have described the push-off to be executed in a proximal-to-distal sequence (Bobbert and van Ingen Schenau, 1988;Pandy and Zajac, 1991;Chiu et al, 2014). As movement was found to start with the hip joint, then progressed to the knee and finally to the ankle joint.…”

Differences Between Bimodal and Unimodal Force-time Curves During Countermovement Jump

“…The hip, knee and ankle ECC timing demonstrated better hip, knee and ankle (proximal-to-distal) extensors exerting sequence in the DPC group, but not in the SPC group. The proximal-to-distal sequencing coordination demonstrated that the more proximal muscles activated prior to the distal muscles and the associated proximal joints began moving before the distal joints in jumping [44,45]. It could be attributed to the fact that the DPC group successively generated hip extensor, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor net joint moment, which results in large angular accelerations extending the lower extremity and maximizing vertical acceleration [45].…”

“…The proximal-to-distal sequencing coordination demonstrated that the more proximal muscles activated prior to the distal muscles and the associated proximal joints began moving before the distal joints in jumping [44,45]. It could be attributed to the fact that the DPC group successively generated hip extensor, knee extensor, and ankle plantar flexor net joint moment, which results in large angular accelerations extending the lower extremity and maximizing vertical acceleration [45]. Moreover, previous researchers reported that the multi-joint ballistic squats with plantar flexion changed the coordination in decreased time to peak force, velocity and power, and accomplish a transfer of power from proximal-to-distal joints to improve the jump performance [46].…”

Countermovement Jump Strategy Changes with Arm Swing to Modulate Vertical Force Advantage

“…A standing vertical jump with a countermovement requires body muscles to contract quickly and explosively to cause the body's center of mass (CoM) to move against gravity to a higher position (Chiu, Bryanton, & Moolyk, 2014;Kim & Kim, 2009;Lees, Vanrenterghem, & Clercq, 2004a). The body muscles involved in altering joint angles (e.g., ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow) necessarily serve as important power sources for vertical jumping (Lee et al, 2015;Lee & Lee, 2010;Lees et al, 2004a).…”