The relationship between peak isokinetic torques of hip, knee and ankle joints with single and double leg jump performance in young men

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1 International Journal of Sport Studies. ISSN (online) Vol., 6 (4), , The relationship between peak isokinetic torques of hip, knee and ankle joints with single and double leg jump performance in young men Saeed Nikoukheslat 1, Shirin Yazdani 2 *, Javad Vakili 3, Ebrahim Hosseini Houri Pasand 4 1. Associated Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 2. Assistant Professor of Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 3. Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran 4. MSc of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of physical Education and Sport Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran * Corresponding Author, sh_yazdani@tabrizu.ac.ir Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between single and double leg jump performance with peak isokinetic torques (PIT) of hip, knee and ankle joints in young men. 27 males with mean age, height and weight of 23±3.5 years, 178.5±7.8 cm and 75.7±10.7 kg respectively participated in this study voluntarily. PIT of hip, knee and ankle joints was measured using isokinetic Biodex system pro 4. Also, the jump performance was assessed using digital vertical jumping system and single and double leg vertical jump methods. Pearson correlation test with p<0.05 was used for statistical analysis. Results showed that there were significant correlations between single leg jump performance with flexion (r=0.58, p=0.001) and extension (r=0.71, p=0.0001) PIT of hip joint in guide leg and support leg (r=0.45, p=0.018 and r=0.64, p=0.0001) and flexion (r=0.63, p=0.0001) and extension (r=0.69, p=0.0001) PIT of knee joint in support leg. Also there were significant correlations between double leg jump performance with flexion (r=0.53, p=0.005) and extension (r=0.60, p=0.001) PIT of hip joint in guide leg and support leg (r=0.58, p=0.001 and r=0.59, p=0.0001), flexion (r=0.67, p=0.0001) and extension (r=0.73, p=0.0001) PIT of knee joint in support leg and plantar flexion (r=0.41, p=0.033) PIT of ankle joint in support leg. So in designing a specific training program to improve jump performance in different sports, we should consider the strength of hip, knee and ankle joints based on the nature of sport and the type of jumping it uses. Keywords: Isokinetic Torque, Single leg jumping, Double leg jumping Introduction Power is the product of force and velocity which is necessary to achieve the peak performance (Newton and Kraemer, 1994). It is considered as a strong predictor of athletic success (Fry et al., 1991, Fry and Kraemer, 1994, Smith R, 2007). Different methods have been used for estimation of the power of skeletal muscles including direct and indirect assessments. Vertical jumping is an indirect measure of power performance and usually used as a quick and simple method for the assessment of power. In many studies, 227

2 the record of jump height has been interpreted as indicator of muscle power (Harman et al., 1991, Markovic and Jaric, 2004, Sipila et al., 2004). In this regard, researchers have reported a very high correlation (r=0.97) between the power of vertical jump test and Wingate test which represents the validity of vertical jump as a field test for anaerobic power measurement (Changela and Sarla Bhatt, 2012). Many different types of vertical jump tests have been used in the clinical and field settings, including countermovement jump, squat jump, drop jump, and hopping in place (Harman et al., 1990, Komi and Bosco, 1978, Markovic and Jaric, 2005, Markovic and Jaric, 2004). In the previous studies, researchers found that double leg vertical jump height can be predicted based on the joints torque and kinematic variables (Aragon-Vargas and Gross, 1997, Hay et al., 1978). In some studies, high correlations have been reported between the hip and knee extensor strength with vertical jump height in males (Aragon-Vargas and Gross, 1997, Hay et al., 1978, Horita et al., 2002), but in other studies the relationship between isokinetic strength of ankle plantar flexor and jump performance has not been significant (Tsiokanos et al., 2002). These results revealed that hip and knee extensor muscle strength is an essential component that should be considered in training programs for improving double leg jumping height (Ford et al., 2009). In another study, Sadeghi et al. (2009) reported that during double leg and single leg vertical jumping performances, knee joint and ankle joint's strength respectively have main effect on height of jump. In the sports like basketball, handball, track and field and martial arts, the nature of jump is guide leg jump and athletes do several guide leg vertical jumps during these sports. However the physiological and biomechanical predictor variables of guide-leg jump height has not been studied yet. A better understanding of the variables that help predict the vertical jump performance will lead to improved efficiency and increased performance in sports training and competitions in which the nature of jump is guide leg jump. Since this type of jump has been addressed less in biomechanics and physiology researches, hence the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between jump performance and PIT of hip, knee and ankle joints with single and double leg jump performance in young men. Materials and methods This research is descriptive study. The population of this study was male physical education students of University of Tabriz. Among them, 27 subjects with an average age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of 25.0±3.5 years, 178.5±7.8 cm, 75.7±10.7 kg and 23.7±2.9 kg/m 2 respectively participated in this study voluntarily. All participants of this study were healthy. The exclusion criteria of this study were: having neuromuscular problems, history of fracture, lower limb injury, surgery, pain, and swelling in the lower extremities. Before the study, familiarizations about tests were given to participants and informed written consent was obtained. Table 1 shows the demographic characteristics of participants. At the beginning of protocol, the weight and height of subjects were measured using InBody 230 and Seca 213 stadiometer systems respectively. Then warmingup program was performed for 10 minutes on the cycling ergometer at the speed of 50 rounds per minute and with the resistance of one kilogram. The leg which was used to kick the ball was defined as guide leg and the other one as support leg (Sell, 2011, Cale et al., 2005). Table 1: demographic characteristics of participants Indexes mean ± standard deviation Age (years) 25.0±3.5 Height (cm) 178.5±7.8 Weight (kg) 75.5±10.8 BMI (kg/m 2 ) 23.7±2.9 PIT assessment Flexion and extension PIT of hip and knee joints, and dorsiflexion and plantar flexion PIT of the ankle joint were measured by BIODEX dynamometer (BIODEX SYSTEM PRO 4, made in USA). All tests were performed in accordance with the BIODEX standard testing procedures during concentric contractions and at the velocity of 60 /s. At first, subjects performed three submaximal trials at each joint for warm-up and familiarization with test. Then subjects performed three maximal test trails. There was 30-s rest interval between repetitions. After data gathering, PIT at each joint was extracted and used for statistical analysis. /extension Concentric extension and flexion PIT of hip joint were measured in the supine position. We asked subjects to lie supine on positioning chair with hip to be tested closest to the dynamometer. Then we adjust chair and dynamometer so that shaft aligns with the axis of rotation of the hip and adjust hip attachment length so that thigh support is just superior to the popliteal fossa. Then subjects performed flexion and extension of hip (Figure 1.a). Knee Extension/Flexion To measure the extension and flexion PIT of the knee joint in support leg, subjects were positioned on the 228

dynamometer chair while its back angle was adjusted at 90 degrees. Knee joint rotation axis (external epicondyle) of subject was aligned with the dynamometer axis.

Ankle Plantar/Dorsiflexion Concentric dorsiflexion and plantar flexion PIT of ankle joint was measured in sitting position; subjects were positioned on the dynamometer chair, while its back angle was

Then PIT was measured during dorsi and plantar flexion of ankle (Fig. 1.c).

3 dynamometer chair while its back angle was adjusted at 90 degrees. Knee joint rotation axis (external epicondyle) of subject was aligned with the dynamometer axis. Shoulder, back and tight were tied with straps. PIT was assessed during flexion and extension of knee joint (Figure 1.b). Ankle Plantar/Dorsiflexion Concentric dorsiflexion and plantar flexion PIT of ankle joint was measured in sitting position; subjects were positioned on the dynamometer chair, while its back angle was adjusted at 75 degrees. Trunk, thighs and ankles were tied with straps. The rotation axis of the ankle was aligned with the dynamometer axis. Then PIT was measured during dorsi and plantar flexion of ankle (Fig. 1.c). Vertical jump performance assessment For measuring the jump performance, we used a digital vertical jumping device (JS-D100, made in Japan) and single and double leg vertical jump test. Single leg vertical jump was performed as guide leg jump. To perform this test, subjects stood up with side toward the touchscreen of the device and raised their hand straightly to reach up the highest possible point and touched the touchscreen with their fingertips, and their standing reach height was recorded by device. Then the subject put the guide leg one step behind the support leg. During the jump, firstly bring up the guide leg and following the elevation of the guide leg, the support leg leave the ground and the highest possible point was touched by hand. The device calculated and displayed the distance between two touched points. Participants were asked to perform three maximum jumps with 30 second rest intervals and the best jump of subjects was recorded as their score. For double leg jump test, subjects performed countermovement test as previously presented by Sargent (Sargent, 1921) by measuring the distance between standing reach height and maximal height when carrying out the countermovement jump After jump height assessment, the jump performance was calculated by jump height multiple body weight. Jump performance (cm.kg) = jump height (cm) body weight (kg) Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using Statistical package for Social Sciences 21.0 (SPSS software IBM, New York). Shapiro-Wilk test was performed to determine the normality of distribution. For examining the relationship between PIT and jump performance, Pearson correlation analysis test was used. The significance level was set at p<0.05. a b c Results Figure 1: PIT test of a) hip, b) knee and c) ankle joints Shapiro-Wilk test results showed that data is normally distributed (p>0.05). The mean and standard deviation of PIT in hip, knee and ankle joints are shown in table 2. Also table 3 shows the results of single and double leg jump performances. Table 2: Mean and standard deviation of PIT in hip, knee and ankle joints guide leg support leg PIT (Nm) Knee flexion Knee extension Ankle dorsiflexion Ankle plantar flexion) Mean ± SD 125.7± ± ± ± ± ± ± ±

4 Table 3: Mean and standard deviation for single and double leg jump performance jump performance (cm.kg) Single leg Double leg Mean ± SD ± ±886.8 The results of the relationship between single and double leg jump performance and PIT of the hip, knee and ankle joints are summarized in Table 4. As shown in table 4, in single leg jump performance, there were significant positive correlations between flexion (r=0.58, p=0.001) and extension (r=0.71, p=0.0001) PIT of guide leg hip joint. In support leg, the correlations between single leg performance with flexion (r=0.45, p=0.018) and extension (r=0.64, p=0.0001) PIT of hip joint and flexion (r=0.63, p=0.0001) and extension (r=0.69, p=0.0001) PIT of knee joint were significant. During double leg jump, in addition to PIT of hip and knee joints, plantar flexion PIT of ankle joint has correlated with jump performance (r=0.41, p=0.033). Table: 4 Correlation between single and double leg jump performance and PIT of hip, knee and ankle joints guide leg support leg PIT (Nm) Knee flexion Knee extension Ankle dorsiflexion Ankle plantar flexion * The significance level was less than 0.05 Single leg (cm.kg) r p 0.58* * * * * * Double leg (cm.kg) r p 0.53* * * * * * * Discussion and Conclusion The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between jump performance and isokinetic peak torques of hip, knee and ankle joints. The results showed that there were significant correlations between jump performance and flexion and extension PIT of hip joint in the guide leg. The relationship between flexion and extension PIT of hip joint in guide leg with jump performance can be interpreted as follows: increased torque of hip flexor muscles may lift the guide leg forcefully and causes more hip flexion. With more flexion of hip joint, the center of gravity is shifted upwards and increases the jump height and performance (Farthing, 1998). Also, any increase in the torque of hip flexor muscles lead to increased vertical force which in turn, based on Newton's second law and momentum, increases the vertical velocity and power output (Farthing, 1998). In this regards, Guskiewicz et al. (1993) reported a high correlation between the ratio of hip flexion to extension strength and sprint speed. Also results showed that there were significant correlations between jump performance and flexion and extension PIT of the hip and knee joints in support leg. Tsiokanos et al. (2002), Ford et al. (2009), Farthing et al. (1998), Vanezis and Lees (2005) and Harrison et al. (2013) reported similar results during double jump performances. However Kowalski et al. (2003) and Manske (2003) did not find any relationship between these variables. The causes of contradictions including: performing isokinetic tests in different angular velocities and tests (Kowalski, 2003) and using closed chain movements for assessment of strength (Manske, 2003). Vertical velocity is one of the most important factors affecting jump height and power output. Based on Newton's second law and momentum (F.t=mΔv), increased torque resulted in increased impulse during 230

5 take-off. Which in turn, will increases the velocity of take-off and jump height. Also, results showed that in double leg vertical jump, in addition to the torque of hip and knee joints, the torque of ankle joint has an important role in jump performance. Similar results were reported by Vanezis and Lees (2005) regarding the relationship between ankle plantar flexor torque and the jump height of double leg vertical jump. While Tsiokanos et al. (2002), Ford et al. (2009) and Farthing (1998) didn t find any relationship between ankle plantar flexor torque and the jump height during double leg vertical jump. Inconsistency of the findings of those studies with the results of this study may be due to different vertical jump measurement techniques (Tsiokanos et al., 2002, Ford et al., 2009, Farthing, 1998), using different torque measurement tools (Tsiokanos et al., 2002, Ford et al., 2009) and different positions for torque assessment (Farthing, 1998). For example, Ford et al. (2009) examined the relationship between the height of the drop jump and torque of lower limb joints on 16 high school girls. In their study, torque was measured by applying a force platform. Also, Tsiokanos et al. (2002) and Farthing (1998) assessed the ankle plantar flexion torque in prone position with knees completely extended and jump height was measured using Ergojump method. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the torques of hip and knee joints are important in guide leg jump performance. While in double leg jump performance, in addition to the torque of hip and knee joints, the ankle plantar flexor torque has main effect on the jumping performance. So in designing a specific training program to improve jump performance in different sports, we should consider the strength of hip, knee and ankle joints based on the nature of sport and the type of jumping it uses. Conflict of interest The authors declare no conflict of interest References Aragon-Vargas L, Gross M, Kinesiological factors in vertical jump performance: Differences among individuals. J Appl Biomech, 13, Cale J, UHL T.L, Matt S, Wes S, Larry G, Strength and Fatigability of the Dominant and Nondominant Hip Abductors. Journal of Athletic Training, 40, Changela P, Sarla Bhatt S, The Correlational Study of the Vertical Jump Test and Wingate Cycle Test as a Method to Assess Anaerobic Power in High School Basketball Players. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2, 1-6. Farthing D.G, The relationship between vertical jumping ability and lower extremity strenght measured eccentrically and concentrically at five angular velocities. Ford K.R, Myer G.D, Brent J.L, Timothy E, Hip and knee extensor moments predict vertical jump height in adolescent girls. J Strength Cond Res, 23, Fry A, Kraemer W, Physical performance characteristics of American collegiate football players. J Appl Sport Sci Res, 5, Fry A, Kraemer W, Weseman C, Conroy B, Gordon, S, Hoffman J, Maresh C, The effects of an off-season strength and conditioning program on starters and non-starters in women s intercollegiate volleyball. J Appl Sport Sci Res, 5, Guskiewic, K, Lephart S, Burkholder R, The relationship between sprint speed and flexion/extension strength in collegiate athletes. Isokinetics and Exercise Scienc, 3. Harman, E., Rosenstein, M., Frykman, P., Rosenstein, R, The effects of arms and countermovement on vertical jumping. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 22, Harman, E., Rosenstein, M., Frykman, P., Rosenstein, R., Kraemer, W, Estimation of human power from vertical jump. Journal of Applied Sport Science Research, 5, Harrison, B., Firth, W., Rogers, S., Tipple, J., Marsden, J., Freeman, JA, The relationship between isokinetic performance of hip and knee and jump performance in university rugby players. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 21, Hay, J., Dapena, J., Wilson, B., Andrews, J., Woodworth, G, An analysis of joint contributions to the performance of a gross motor skill. In: Asmussen, E.; Jørgensen, K., editors. Biomechanics VI: Proceedings of the Sixth International Congress of Biomechanics, Baltimore. University Park Press, Horita, T., Komi, P., Nicol, C., Kyrolainen, H, Interaction between pre-landing activities and stiffness regulation of the knee joint musculoskeletal system in the drop jump: Implications to performance. Eur J Appl Physiol, 88, Komi, P. V. and Bosco, C, Utilization of stored elastic energy in leg extensors by men and women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 10,

6 Kowalski, C. A, Correlation between time to peak torque and peak torque to vertical jump in college age athletes, Master of Science Thesis. Marshall University. Manske, RC, Closed kinetic chain (linear) isokinetic testing: Relationships to functional testing. J Isokinetic & Exer Sci, 11, Markovic, G. Jaric, S, Movement performance and body size: The relationship for different groups of tests. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 92, Markovic, G. and Jaric, S, Scaling of muscle power to body size: The effect of stretch - shortening cycle. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 95, Newton, R, Kraemer, W, Developing explosive muscular power: Implications for a mixed methods training strategy. Strength Cond, 16, Sadeghi, H., Bakhshipour, M., Khaleghi, M., Abbasi, A, Relationship between selected joints and isokinetic parameters with maximum. Research in sport science, 23, Sargent D, The physical test of a man. American Physical Education Review. 26, Sell T, An examination, correlation, and comparison of static and dynamic measuresof postural stability in healthy, physically active adult. Physical Therapy in Sport, 1-7. Sipila S, Koskinen S, Taaffe D, Takala T, Cheng S, Rantanen T, Determinants of lowerbody muscle power in early postmenopausal women. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 52, Smith R, F. K., Myer G. D., Holleran A, Treadway E, Hewett TE, Biomechanical and performance differences between female soccer athletes in National Collegiate Athletic Association Divisions I and III. J Athl Train, 42, Tsiokanos A, Kellis E, Jamurtas A, Kellis S, The relationship between jumping performance and isokinetic strength of hip and knee extensors and ankle plantar flexors. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 10, Vanezis A, Lees A, A biomechanical analysis of good and poor performers of the vertical jump. Ergonomics, 48,

performance in young jumpers

BIOLOGY OF EXERCISE VOLUME 5.2, 2009 Isokinetic muscle strength and running long jump performance in young jumpers D.O.I: http:doi.org/10.4127/jbe.2009.0030 YIANNIS KOUTSIORAS, ATHANASIOS TSIOKANOS, DIMITRIOS