Longitudinal changing relationships between growth tempo and vertical stiffness in movement across maturation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether average growth tempo influenced longitudinal relationships between maturity status and coordination capability using a 15-s hopping task (Aim 1). To investigate how differences in absolute growth tempo were associated with change in coordination capability within and across peak growth (Aim 2). METHODS: Participants were N1 = 110 (Aim 1) and N2 = 71 (Aim 2) Australian male competitive swimmers, aged 10-15 years, exposed to repeated-measures tracking (2-years, and 12-months respectively) of maturity status, growth tempo and movement coordination capability. Coordination capability was estimated via vertical stiffness (KV) in a hopping task, reflected by participant mean KV and between-jump coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: For Aim 1, log-linear mixed model trends identified maturity status and growth tempo were significantly associated with KV mean and KV CV. For a given maturity status, mean KV was 9% lower in the 'High' average growth tempo group than the 'Low' average tempo group. For Aim 2, mixed repeated-measures analyses of variance identified how time points of increased growth tempo were significantly associated with 7-11% reductions in mean KV, with similar mean KV decrements irrespective of growth tempo group. Meanwhile, KVCV only illustrated progressive longitudinal reductions. CONCLUSIONS: Within maturational progression, short-term accelerations in growth tempo corresponded with short-term decreases in KV mean, suggesting temporary disruptions to movement coordination capability. Measuring growth tempo and applying hopping tasks in specific movement contexts could help consistently identify disturbances in motor coordination.

Selected Spatiotemporal and Joint Angle Parameters in Normal Gait and Nordic Walking with Classical and Mechatronic Poles in Aspects of Sex Differences.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare selected spatiotemporal parameters and changes in the range of motion in the joints of lower and upper limbs during normal gait and during Nordic walking performed with classical and mechatronic poles of females and males. Methods: The study involved 19 physical education students (11 males and 8 females). The MyoMotion research motion analysis system was used to collect gait kinematic variables. The subject task was to cover a 100 m distance in a straight line with three types of gait: gait without poles, gait with classical poles, and gait with mechatronic poles at preferred velocity. Parameters were measured both on the right (RT) and on the left side (LT) of the body. The data was analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with the between-subject factor "sex." Friedman's test was used when necessary. Results: The most significant differences in spatiotemporal parameters between males and females were revealed in gait with the classical and mechatronic pole (stance phase LT and RT, load response LT and RT, single support LT and RT, preswing LT and RT, swing phase LT and RT, double stance LT and RT, and step length LT), the least in gait without a pole (stance phase RT, load response LT, single support LT, preswing RT, and swing phase RT); whereas, the most significant differences in kinematic parameters were revealed in gait without poles (shoulder rotation RT, wrist radial-ulnar LT, hip flexion-extension LT and RT, knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT), the least in gait with mechatronic poles (knee flexion-extension LT and RT, ankle dorsiflexion-plantarflexion LT, ankle inversion-eversion LT, and ankle abduction-adduction LT and RT). Conclusion: Statistical analysis revealed many differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in normal gait, as well as in gait with the classical and mechatronic poles, which allows the conclusion that the gait of females and males should be analyzed separately.

Hand Grip Strength Vs. Locomotor Efficiency in Sitting Volleyball Players.

The objective of this paper was to determine the relationship between hand grip strength and movement time (locomotor efficiency in a seated position using the upper and lower extremities) in sitting volleyball players. In addition, a comparison was made between the velocity curves for forward and backward locomotion. Nine male members of the sitting volleyball team participated in the study. Hydraulic and spring manual dynamometers were used to measure hand grip strength. Movement times were registered for distances of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10-m with the use of the Smart Speed System photocells. Significant relationships between hand grip strength of the left (rs=-0.78) and right (rs=-0.73) hands and the forward movement time over a distance of 1-m were found. Hand grip strength had no significant relationship with either forward movement times at other distances or backward movement times. Results suggest that hand strength is linked to locomotor efficiency of sitting volleyball players. High hand grip strength makes the start easier by pushing away from the ground with the upper limbs.

The Relationship between the Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Ratio and Jumping and Sprinting Abilities of Young Male Soccer Players.

The correct torque ratio between the knee joint extensor and flexor muscle groups can effectively prevent injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and hamstring strain. However, it is unclear whether a high torque ratio of the knee joint flexor muscles to the extensor muscles is beneficial for sport performance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and sprint times (10- and 30-m) and jump heights (CMJ-countermovement jump and SJ-squat jump) in soccer players. The study examined 26 young elite soccer players (age: 18.1 ± 0.7 years; body height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 72.7 ± 5.7 kg). Knee joint flexor and extensor peak torques were assessed using the Cybex dynamometer (at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s). Additionally, each participant performed the CMJ, SJ, and 30 m sprint. A significant relationship was obtained between the H/Q ratio (60°/s) and 30 m sprint time (r = 0.47). The positive direction of this relationship may indicate an important role of knee joint extensors in sprinting performance. Moreover, the H/Q ratio was not significantly associated with the CMJ, SJ or 10 m sprint performance. The H/Q ratio should be considered together with the peak torque values in terms of the assessment of sprinting and jumping performance.

Strength Abilities and Serve Reception Efficiency of Youth Female Volleyball Players.

Success in volleyball largely depends on motor abilities, particularly on maximum strength, power, jumping, and speed performance. However, a small number of studies assess the relationship between motor abilities and the effectiveness of volleyball technical skills. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the impact of the strength of the upper and lower limbs on the efficiency of serve reception during a 2 vs. 2 game, as well as to evaluate the results of motor measurements in the context of determining the usefulness of current testing procedures. The study involved a carefully chosen group of 12 girls aged 12-13 years (body height: 176.5 ± 4.2 cm, body mass: 58.6 ± 5.1 kg, and training experience: 43 ± 15 months) selected for the Lower Silesian Regional Volleyball Team. The following tests were conducted: handgrip strength with a hand dynamometer, bent-arm hang, 2 kg medicine ball throw, shoulder joint internal rotators (IR) peak torque, standing long jump, spike jump, and countermovement jump. The measurements of the shoulder joint IR peak torque were performed under isometric (at 10°, 35°, and 65° rotation angles) and isokinetic (at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s) conditions. The efficiency of serve reception was evaluated during a 2 vs. 2 games by using Data Volley statistical software. The strongest positive relationships were observed between the serve reception efficiency and the peak torque and power of the shoulder joint IR, the medicine ball throw distance, and handgrip strength. Jumping variables showed no associations with efficient of serve reception. Consequently, we suggest adding protocols to volleyball training that include strength exercises aimed at developing the IR muscle group. The isokinetic upper limb test should be introduced as a valid tool in selection process. Coaches who do not have access to modern research equipment should use the medicine ball throw test to evaluate strength abilities as an alternative assessment of the serve reception efficiency.

Comparison of the optoelectronic BTS Smart system and IMU-based MyoMotion system for the assessment of gait variables.

PURPOSE: Although inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based systems have been validated against optoelectronic systems for recording joint kinematics, the accuracy of each system must be evaluated, and measurements from different systems cannot be easily compared. Therefore, this study compared the joint angles recorded using the IMU-based MyoMotion system and the optoelectronic BTS Smart-DX 700 system during Nordic walking. METHODS: The study subject, a long-time Nordic walking instructor, was assigned to walk 12 m/trial (14 trials with 5 sampled gait cycles) at a velocity preferred for Nordic walking. The trials were simultaneously recorded by both systems. The instantaneous lower (ankle, knee, hip) and upper (shoulder, elbow, wrist) limb joint angles were recorded. RESULTS: The joint angles from MyoMotion were significantly larger or smaller (depending on the joint and plane) than those from BTS. CONCLUSIONS: Joint angles measured by MyoMotion are not interchangeable with values from BTS, and IMU-recorded values should be interpreted carefully. However, MyoMotion can still provide information about intra-individual changes based on the joint angle profiles, e.g., following Nordic walking training.

Application of Leg, Vertical, and Joint Stiffness in Running Performance: A Literature Overview.

Stiffness, the resistance to deformation due to force, has been used to model the way in which the lower body responds to landing during cyclic motions such as running and jumping. Vertical, leg, and joint stiffness provide a useful model for investigating the store and release of potential elastic energy via the musculotendinous unit in the stretch-shortening cycle and may provide insight into sport performance. This review is aimed at assessing the effect of vertical, leg, and joint stiffness on running performance as such an investigation may provide greater insight into performance during this common form of locomotion. PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched resulting in 92 publications on vertical, leg, and joint stiffness and running performance. Vertical stiffness increases with running velocity and stride frequency. Higher vertical stiffness differentiated elite runners from lower-performing athletes and was also associated with a lower oxygen cost. In contrast, leg stiffness remains relatively constant with increasing velocity and is not strongly related to the aerobic demand and fatigue. Hip and knee joint stiffness are reported to increase with velocity, and a lower ankle and higher knee joint stiffness are linked to a lower oxygen cost of running; however, no relationship with performance has yet been investigated. Theoretically, there is a desired "leg-spring" stiffness value at which potential elastic energy return is maximised and this is specific to the individual. It appears that higher "leg-spring" stiffness is desirable for running performance; however, more research is needed to investigate the relationship of all three lower limb joint springs as the hip joint is often neglected. There is still no clear answer how training could affect mechanical stiffness during running. Studies including muscle activation and separate analyses of local tissues (tendons) are needed to investigate mechanical stiffness as a global variable associated with sports performance.

Application of an Accelerometric System for Determination of Stiffness during a Hopping Task.

Currently, there are several computational methods for stiffness during a hopping task, but they do not necessarily yield the same values. Therefore, it is essential that the simplicity of the equipment used does not affect the measurement validity. The aim of this study is to compare the stiffness values during a hopping task recorded in a laboratory environment and those acquired using the Myotest accelerometer. The measurements were performed on a group of 30 untrained female students (age: 23.0 ± 1.7 years, body height: 1.72 ± 0.07 m, and body mass: 64.8 ± 10.0 kg). According to the manual for the Myotest accelerometric system, each study participant performed three sets of 5 hops. Vertical stiffness was determined based on two measurement methods, one using the Myotest accelerometer and the other using Kistler force plates. The mean value (±SD) of vertical stiffness was 19.0 ± 9.3 kN/m in the countermovement phase and 15.1 ± 5.9 kN/m in the take-off phase. Furthermore, the stiffness determined using the Myotest was 30.7 ± 13.3 kN/m. However, significant relationships between the vertical stiffness in the countermovement phase and the Myotest stiffness (r = 0.79) and between the vertical stiffness in the take-off phase and the Myotest stiffness (r = 0.89) were found. The relationships between the vertical stiffness (in the countermovement and take-off phases) and the stiffness estimated using the Myotest allow us to conclude that despite the significantly overestimated stiffness value, the Myotest accelerometer can still be used for determination of the stiffness trends, e.g., following training. The overestimated stiffness values can result both from inaccuracy in the determination of ground contact time and flight time by the Myotest accelerometer and from the use of an equation that assumes that the movement of the center of mass has a harmonic profile.

The effect of low-Dye taping on hopping performance in handball players.

PURPOSE: Low-Dye taping is a useful technique for preventing foot injuries. However, the use of inextensible tape may lead to a decline in movement performance as a result of limited foot joint mobility and a change in vertical stiffness due to the passive stiffening of the tarsus and metatarsus. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of low-Dye taping on sport movement performance observed during a hopping task. METHODS: The study was carried out on a group of 11 male handball players. The Myotest accelerometer was used to evaluate the effect of low-Dye taping on jumping height, ground contact time and vertical stiffness during the hopping test. Each study participant performed four series of 5 hops (hopping test): two series before low-Dye taping and two after. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the values recorded before and after low-Dye taping for the variables that describe the hopping task: mean jump height, mean ground contact time and mean vertical stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Low-Dye taping can be successfully used in handball players since it has a preventive effect that reduces the risk of injury to the foot and does not influence vertical stiffness or jump height to a significant extent.

Changes in Gait Variables in Patients with Intermittent Claudication.

OBJECTIVE: Intermittent claudication (IC) is a pathological symptom with a particular effect on human gait patterns. Therefore, analyzing these patterns can facilitate rehabilitation or treatment through comparison of the values of kinematic and kinetic variables of patients with the normal values of healthy people. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find differences in the values of gait variables between patients with IC and healthy people. METHODS: The study included 98 patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease with IC. The patients traveled a distance of 6 m at a voluntary gait velocity. Ground reaction forces while the foot contacted the ground and kinematic variables of lower limb movements were recorded. The values of normal gait variables were computed based on the results obtained in a group of 30 healthy people. RESULTS: Patients used a gait velocity below the norm for healthy people. The velocity during the lower limb swing and the step and stride length in patients with IC were below the norm. Differences were also found in the ranges of motion between patients with IC and healthy people for the pelvic obliquity, pelvic rotation, hip flexion-extension, hip abduction-adduction, hip internal-external rotation, knee flexion-extension, ankle dorsi-plantar flexion, and foot progression angles. CONCLUSIONS: The presented kinematic and kinetic characteristics measured by gait variables suggest differences between patients with IC and healthy people. Considering kinematic and kinetic gait variables during the rehabilitation process would facilitate the development of a more economic gait technique (with increased stride length and range of motion in the lower limb joints) to obtain the desired rehabilitation effects. Patients with IC should receive rehabilitation oriented towards improving mobility and increasing muscle strength in selected lower limb joints to increase gait velocity and stride length.

Relationships between Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Ratio and Variables Describing Countermovement and Drop Jumps.

The impact of the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio on sport movement performance has not been sufficiently described. However, it seems that in movements involving eccentric-concentric muscular contractions, a higher hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio should have a positive impact on human movement performance. The present study is aimed at identifying relationships between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and variables describing countermovement and drop jumps. The study was carried out in a group of 14 female soccer players. The tests were conducted using a Kistler force plate, an SG electrogoniometer, and the Biodex System 4 Pro dynamometer. Each player performed three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three drop jumps (DJ) from heights of 15, 30, 45, and 60 cm. The peak torques of knee extensors and flexors were measured in isometric conditions and in isokinetic conditions at angular velocities of 30o/s, 60o/s, 90o/s, and 120o/s. Statistically significant relationships were found between the variables that describe CMJ, DJ 15, DJ 30, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio at some, though not all, of the angular velocities measured. No significant relationships were found between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and variables that describe DJ 45 and DJ 60. The heights of CMJ, DJ 15, and DJ 30 were increased with higher hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratios. Analogous relationships were found between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and relative mechanical power during the take-off phase of the CMJ. Significant relationships between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and variables that describe vertical jump are likely to be observed if adequate angular velocity is used in the measurement of muscle torque.

Estimation of potential elastic energy during the countermovement phase of a vertical jump based on the force-displacement curve.

PURPOSE: One inconvenience in finding experimental evidence for the relationship between potential elastic energy and vertical jump height is the difficulty of estimating the value of the stored potential elastic energy. Therefore, the aim of this study is to present a simple method of estimating the potential elastic energy stored by lowering the center of mass during the countermovement phase of a vertical jump. METHODS: The research was conducted on 30 able-bodied male university students (age: 20 years, body height: 183.1 ± 7.9 cm, body mass: 80.3 ± 10.4 kg). Each participant performed 10 single countermovement jumps with arms akimbo to maximal height. Measurements employed a Kistler force plate. The value of potential elastic energy was estimated based on the curve of dependence of the ground reaction force on the vertical displacement of the jumper's center of mass. RESULTS: The mean value (±SD) of potential elastic energy collected due to lowering of the center of mass during the countermovement phase of a vertical jump was 183 ± 69 J. 24.3% of this value can be considered the part of the potential elastic energy (44 ± 21 J) that comes from the transformation of kinetic energy. The total change in gravitational potential energy due to lowering the center of mass was 240 ± 58 J. CONCLUSIONS: This estimation of potential elastic energy is only general and rough. However, certain estimations of potential elastic energy may offer some insight into the phenomenon relating vertical quasi-stiffness and the ability to store potential elastic energy with vertical jump height.

Ratios of torques of antagonist muscle groups in female soccer players.

PURPOSE: An increase in the value of the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio with an increase in angular velocity may effectively prevent injuries of the back of the thigh. Previous studies have found that the conventional H/Q ratio was unaltered along with an increasing angular velocity in females. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between the conventional H/Q ratio and angular velocity in a group of female soccer players. METHODS: The study was carried out on a group of 16 female soccer players (age: 20.7 ± 3.9 years, body height: 166.1 ± 5.8 cm, body mass: 58.4 ± 6.2 kg, training experience: 8.8 ± 4.1 years). Measurements of peak torque of extensors and flexors of the knee joint under static conditions and under isokinetic conditions (at angular velocities of 30°/s, 60°/s, 90°/s and 120°/s) were carried out using a Biodex dynamometer. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in the conventional H/Q ratio with an increase in angular velocity. These differences occurred between measurements at angular velocities of 0°/s and 30°/s, and 30°/s and 60°/s. CONCLUSIONS: As previously found for males, an increase in conventional H/Q ratio with increased angular velocity was also present in this group of female players. This phenomenon should reduce the number of injuries of the muscles of back of the thigh. Coaches should pay attention to increasing the level of strength in the group of knee joint flexor muscles so as to make the value of the H/Q ratio appropriately high and increasing with increasing angular velocity.

Manifestations of Proprioception During Vertical Jumps to Specific Heights.

Jumping and proprioception are important abilities in many sports. The efficiency of the proprioceptive system is indirectly related to jumps performed at specified heights. Therefore, this study recorded the ability of young athletes who play team sports to jump to a specific height compared with their maximum ability. A total of 154 male (age: 14.8 ± 0.9 years, body height: 181.8 ± 8.9 cm, body weight: 69.8 ± 11.8 kg, training experience: 3.8 ± 1.7 years) and 151 female (age: 14.1 ± 0.8 years, body height: 170.5 ± 6.5 cm, body weight: 60.3 ± 9.4 kg, training experience: 3.7 ± 1.4 years) team games players were recruited for this study. Each participant performed 2 countermovement jumps with arm swing to 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the maximum height. Measurements were performed using a force plate. Jump height and its accuracy with respect to a specified height were calculated. The results revealed no significant differences in jump height and its accuracy to the specified heights between the groups (stratified by age, sex, and sport). Individuals with a higher jumping accuracy also exhibited greater maximum jump heights. Jumps to 25% of the maximum height were approximately 2 times higher than the target height. The decreased jump accuracy to a specific height when attempting to jump to lower heights should be reduced with training, particularly among athletes who play team sports. These findings provide useful information regarding the proprioceptive system for team sport coaches and may shape guidelines for training routines by working with submaximal loads.

Relationship between Lower Limb Angular Kinematic Variables and the Effectiveness of Sprinting during the Acceleration Phase.

The ability to reach a high running velocity over a short distance is essential to a high playing performance in team games. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between running time over a 10-meter section of a 30-meter sprint along a straight line and changes in the angle and angular velocity that were observed in the ankle, knee, and hip joints. The possible presence may help to optimize motion efficiency during acceleration sprint phase. Eighteen girls involved in team sports were examined in the study. The Fusion Smart Speed System was employed for running time measurements. The kinematic data were recorded using the Noraxon MyoMotion system. Statistically significant relationships were found between running time over a 10-meter section and the kinematic variables of hip and ankle joints. An excessively large flexion in hip joints might have an unfavorable effect on running time during the acceleration phase. Furthermore, in order to minimize running time during the acceleration phase, stride should be maintained along a line (a straight line) rather than from side to side. It is also necessary to ensure an adequate range of motion in the hip and ankle joints with respect to the sagittal axis.

Multi-Directional Sprinting and Acceleration Phase in Basketball and Handball Players Aged 14 and 15 Years.

An important role in handball and basketball is played by ability to accelerate and ability to repeat multiple sprints. The aim of the study was to assess level of ability in multi-directional sprinting and running time over the first 5 m of the 30 m sprint in 93 basketball and handball players (46 boys and 47 girls) aged 14 to 15 years. The attempts were also made to find the relationships between the time of a 5-m run to evaluate initial acceleration phase and multi-directional sprinting evaluated using Five-Time Shuttle Run To Gates Test Statistical analysis revealed no important differences in times of 5-m runs and times of multi-directional sprinting between groups with different ages, genders, and sports specialties. Furthermore, no significant correlations were found based on Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between times of 5-m run and multi-directional sprinting in the most of subgroups studied.

Application of force-length curve for determination of leg stiffness during a vertical jump.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present the methodology for estimation of a leg stiffness during a countermovement jump. The question was asked whether leg stiffness in the countermovement and take-off phases are similar to each other as demonstrated in previous reports. It was also examined whether the stiffness in left lower limb is similar to the one in right lower limb. METHODS: The research was conducted on 35 basketball players. Each participant performed three countermovement jumps with arm swing to the maximum height. Measurements employed a Kistlerforce plate and a BTS SMART system for motion analysis. Leg stiffness (understood as an inclination of the curve of ground reaction forces vs. length) was computed for these parts of countermovement and take-off phases where its value was relatively constant and F(Δl) relationship was similar to linear. RESULTS: Mean value (±SD) of total stiffness of both lower limbs in the countermovement phase was 7.1 ± 2.3 kN/m, whereas this value in the take-off phase was 7.5 ± 1 kN/m. No statistically significant differences were found between the leg stiffness in the countermovement and the take-off phases. No statistically significant differences were found during the comparison of the stiffness in the right and left lower limb. CONCLUSIONS: The calculation methodology allows us to estimate the value of leg stiffness based on the actual shape of F(Δl) curve rather than on extreme values of ΔF and Δl. Despite different tasks of the countermovement and the take-off phases, leg stiffness in these phases is very similar. Leg stiffness during a single vertical jump maintains a relatively constant value in the parts with a small value of acceleration.

Effect of drop jump technique on the reactive strength index.

The basic drill of plyometric training aimed at improving lower limb power and jump height is a drop jump. This exercise can be performed using different techniques, which substantially affects jump variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the values of the reactive strength index (RSI) for countermovement drop jumps (CDJs) and bounce drop jumps (BDJs). The study was carried out in a group of 8 male youth basketball players. The tests were conducted using the AMTI BP600900 force plate to measure ground reaction forces and the Noraxon MyoMotion system to record kinematic data. Each player performed two CDJs and two BDJs from the height of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm. The RSI was calculated as a ratio of jump height and contact time. Moreover, the RSI was determined for the amortization and take-off phases separately. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between RSI values for CDJs and BDJs were recorded for jumps from 30, 45 and 60 cm. Differences in RSI values for jumps from 15 cm were not significant. Furthermore, CDJ height values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the values recorded for BDJs. Times of contact, amortization and take-off during BDJs were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than the respective values obtained for CDJs. Therefore, the use of the RSI to monitor plyometric training should be based on the drop jump technique that is commonly performed by basketball players.

Lower extremity power in female soccer athletes: a pre-season and in-season comparison.

PURPOSE: Lower extremity power is an important physical capacity of a soccer athlete. Power represents, and can be modified by, the training of strength and speed. Pre-season and in-season training differs in the relative emphasis on these two quantities. It is nevertheless desirable that the mechanical power remain the same or become higher during the in-season period. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in quantities related to "explosive strength" and to check whether, in collegiate female soccer players, pre- and inseason lower extremity power will remain unaltered. METHODS: Twenty collegiate female soccer players, representing all field positions, participated. Lower extremity power was assessed by a series of drop jumps executed from four different heights (15, 30, 45, and 60 cm). Mechanical power was calculated using subject's mass, jump height, and acceleration due to gravity. This value was further normalized by body mass of each athlete to obtain the relative (or normalized) mechanical power. RESULTS: The normalized lower extremity mechanical power was highest when landing from the 30 cm height for both pre- and inseason periods. However, contrary to expectations, it turned out lower during the in-season than during the pre-season test, even though no significant differences were found between the corresponding jump heights. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that altered, perhaps inadequate, training strategies were employed during the in-season period. Besides, advantages of adding the relative mechanical power as a season readiness indicator are underlined compared with relying on the jump height alone.

Balance disorders caused by running and jumping occurring in young basketball players.

PURPOSE: Body balance, as one of the coordination abilities,is a desirable variable for basketball players as regards the necessity of efficient responses in constantly changing situations on a basketball court. The aim of this study was to check whether physical activity in the form of running and jumping influences variables characterizing the process of keeping body balance of a basketball player in the standing position. METHODS: The research was conducted on 11 young basketball players. The measurements were taken with a Kistler force plate. Apart from commonly registered COP displacements, an additional variable describing the process of keeping body balance by a basketball player was ankle joint stiffness on the basis of which an "Index of Balance-Stiffness" (IB-S) was created. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were obtained for the maximum COP displacements and ankle joint stiffness between measurements of balance in the standing position before and after the employed movement tasks whereas there were no statistically significant differences for the aforementioned variables describing the process of keeping balance between measurements after running and after jumping. CONCLUSIONS: The research results indicate that the employed movement activities brought about significant changes in the process of keeping balance of basketball player in the standing position which, after the run performed, remain on a similar level to the series of jumps being performed. The authors attempted to establish an index based on the stiffness which yields a possibility to perceive each basketball player as an individual person in the process of keeping balance.