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Coordination of segments in the vertical jump
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Skilled jumpers use a simultaneous (SIM) coordination pattern in vertical jumps, initiating segment extension proximally to distally with minimal delays. This finding highlights efficient biomechanics for maximizing jump height.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Segmental coordination patterns (sequential, simultaneous, modified simultaneous) are hypothesized for jumping.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for analyzing jump performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe segmental coordination in vertical jumping.
- Identify distinguishing coordination patterns in skilled jumpers.
Main Methods:
- 20 adult subjects performed maximal counter movement jumps (CMJ) and static jumps (SJ).
- Smoothed, digitized film records analyzed four segments: head-arms-trunk, trunk, thighs, and shanks.
- Bisegmental and multisegmental analyses assessed simultaneity and skill integration.
Main Results:
- Multisegmental analysis revealed 13-17 subjects exhibited simultaneous (SIM) patterns.
- Bisegmental analysis showed all 20 subjects used SIM patterns, with approximately 75% of the time being simultaneous.
- Skilled jumpers demonstrated a proximal-to-distal sequence of extension initiation and peak velocity with minimal inter-segment delays.
Conclusions:
- Vertical jumping primarily utilizes a simultaneous (SIM) segmental coordination pattern.
- Skilled jumpers exhibit a highly coordinated, proximal-to-distal segmental sequencing for optimal performance.