Examination of the Relationship between Hip Joint Flexor / Extensor Muscular Strength and Jump Performance

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between hip joint flexor and extensor strength and jump performance. [Subjects] The subjects were 16 healthy adults with no significant current medical problems. [Methods] Hip joint extensor / flexor muscle testing was undertaken at joint angular velocities of 60ÅE180ÅE300 deg/sec using an isokinetic sthenometer to establish peak torque to body weight ratio. Jump performance measurements were made of vertical jump, broad jump, triple jump, and 6m hop. The relationship between muscular strength and jump performance was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The significance level was p<.05. [Results] Significant correlations were found between all jump conditions at angular velocities of 180, 300 deg/sec and hip joint flexor strength. Hip joint flexor strength at the angular velocity of 60 deg/sec was correlated with performance of vertical jump only. There was no significant correlation between extensor muscle strength and jump performance. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the hip joint flexor group of muscles plays a significant role in controlling stability of posture before jumping, control of pre-jump posture for output direction, and control of landing.