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

Abstract

Ankle flexibility and isokinetic knee torque/power generating capacity were previously suggested to contribute or to be correlated to the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the passive ankle joint dorsi flexion (θPDF) and the knee muscle’s isokinetic torque and power on the CMJ in adolescent female volleyball players. The θPDF at a knee extension angle of 140 degrees were measured for 37 female post-pubertal volleyball players. Then, the players were assigned to either the flexible (n = 10) or inflexible (n = 14) groups according to earlier recommended criteria. Testing included the CMJ with and without an arm swing, and maximal knee extensions and flexions in 3 angular velocities on an isokinetic dynamometer. CMJ height performed with or without an arm swing (r(22) = 0.563, p = 0.040 and r(22) = 0.518, p = 0.009, respectively) and relative power (r(22) = 0.517, p = 0.010 and r(22) = 0.446, p = 0.030, respectively) were positively correlated with the extensors’ torque at 180°/s and were negatively correlated with the flexibility level of the dominant side ankle (r(22) = −0.529, p = 0.008 and r(22) = −0.576, p = 0.030, respectively). A moderate positive correlation was also revealed between the CMJ height with and without an arm swing and the power of the non-dominant knee extensors (r(22) = 0.458, p = 0.024 and r(22) = 0.402, p = 0.049, respectively) and flexors (r(22) = 0.484, p = 0.016 and r(22) = 0.477, p = 0.018, respectively). Results of the 2 × 2 repeated ANOVA measurements revealed that flexible players jumped significantly (p < 0.05) higher during the CMJs, whilst there was a group effect only on the isokinetic knee extensor muscles’ torque. In conclusion, a more flexible ankle joint and a higher isokinetic knee extensor’s torque generating capacity resulted in higher CMJ performance. Therefore, ankle flexibility should be emphasized in training and is suggested to be included in preseason screening tests of youth female volleyball players.

Postural Analysis Using Rasterstereography and Inertial Measurement Units in Volleyball Players: Different Roles as Indicators of Injury Predisposition

“…In a recent study, Panoutsakopoulos and Bassa evaluated the relationship among ankle flexibility, knee extensor torque, and performance in countermovement jump (CMJ). The authors conclude that a more flexible ankle joint and a higher isokinetic knee extensor torque result in higher CMJ performance [47]. Therefore, training in ankle flexibility should be emphasized, and specific screening should be included during the preseason for youth female volleyball players.…”

Optimal Prescription for Superior Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of Inter-Individual Variability in Adaptations to Small-Sided Games and Short Sprint Interval Training in Young Basketball Players

“…The improvement in vertical jump observed in this study aligns with findings from previous studies utilizing various HIIT protocols (Arslan et al, 2022;García-Pinillos et al, 2017). Enhanced explosiveness in vertical jump could be attributed to parameters such as reactive strength and muscular power (Panoutsakopoulos and Bassa, 2023). Improved jumping ability could potentially be attributed to heightened neuromuscular adaptations, including increased rate of force development and muscle firing rate (Buchheit and Laursen, 2013), as well as enhanced anaerobic power production in the plantar flexors and knee extensors (Maffiuletti et al, 2002).…”

Long Jump Performance Is Not Related to Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Force Application in Isometric and Vertical Jump Tests

“…The vertical jump tests were executed on a one-dimensional double force plate (3-Dynami, ©: Biomechanics Lab AUTh, Thessaloniki, Greece) that recorded the vGRFs with a sampling frequency of 1 kHz. Data acquisition and analysis were conducted using the K-Dynami 2018 (©: Iraklis A. Kollias, Biomechanics Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece) software according to the methods described earlier [38,40]. Only the best trial in each test, as defined by the jump height (h JUMP ), was selected for further analysis.…”