Relationship of Vertical Jump Performance and Ankle Joint Range of Motion: Effect of Knee Joint Angle and Handedness in Young Adult Handball Players

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of the ankle joint range of motion (ROM) on the vertical jump (VJ) performance of adult handball players. The active (ACT) and passive (PAS) ankle joint ROM of 12 male members of the U21 National Handball Team with the knee joint at 0°, 40°, and 90° flexion (0° = fully extended knee) was evaluated using a video analysis measuring method. Participants also performed maximum VJ with (CMJ) and without (SQJ) countermovement, as well as with (AS) and without (NAS) an arm swing. Statistical analyses included 2 × 2 × 3 MANOVA, 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation. Results reveal that PAS-ROM was larger (p < 0.05) in all knee joint flexion angles. ROM was smaller (p < 0.05) by approximately 10° at 0° compared to 90° knee flexion. No lateral effects on ROM due to the handedness of the players were observed. AS and CM resulted in increased jump height (p < 0.05). Finally, ACT-ROM when the knee joint was flexed at 40° was highly correlated (r ≥ 0.66, p < 0.05) with VJ performance except for CMJ-AS. In conclusion, the differences in the bi-articular gastrocnemius muscle flexibility due to the alteration of the angular position of the examined joints affected the ability to generate impulse during the VJ tests.

Countermovement Jump Performance Is Related to Ankle Flexibility and Knee Extensors Torque in Female Adolescent Volleyball Athletes

“…This assumption could be further supported by the notion that the higher the force accelerating the ankle motion, the greater the ankle range of motion [ 56 ]. Previous research in handball players revealed that laterality, based on hand preference, resulted in significant differences in the active ankle joint range of motion at the selected knee angle where the flexibility test in the present study was conducted [ 57 ]. Additionally, a recent study applying a stretching protocol to 1 leg for 12 weeks reported increases in the ankle range of motion of the non-trained leg, a finding that led the researchers speculate that volleyball training, per se, probably affects ankle flexibility [ 58 ].…”

Vertical Jump Kinetic Parameters on Sand and Rigid Surfaces in Young Female Volleyball Players with a Combined Background in Indoor and Beach Volleyball

“…The first-time derivative of the recorded vertical GRF defined RFD, while P MAX was the peak value of the multiplication product of the vertical GRF by the vertical CoM velocity during the propulsive phase [ 17 ]. Based on h JUMP , the following vertical jump performance parameters were also calculated [ 35 , 36 ]: SSC gain (Equation (1)): …”

Effects of Myofascial Release Techniques on Joint Range of Motion of Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…In another study, it was suggested that achieving a full ROM can improve the maximal sprint speed of team athletes [9]. Empirical evidence demonstrated a strong correlation between lower limb ROM and vertical jump performance among elite handball players [10].…”