INFLUENCE OF THE RANGE OF MOTION ON JUMPING HEIGHT IN CHILDHOOD

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether during childhood, the parameters for the range of motion had more influence on jump height than parameters for application of force. Using force platform, an analysis was made of the counter movement jumps performed by 36 girls aged between 5 to 8 years old. Linear regression was used to analyze the data. The parameters for the range of motion accounted for 66% of the variance in maximum height jump, while application of force accounted for 12%. These results could indicate that the children can enhance their vertical jumping performance by increasing the range of motion rather than improving the ground reaction forces or their application.