Horizontal and vertical jumping ability in male and female athletes

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the characteristic of vertical and horizontal jump at 0 degree c, 45 degree c, 90 degree c, 135 degree c, 180 degree c, 225 degree c, 270 degree c and 315 degree c and the relationship between these two jump tests and leg volume, leg muscles strength, body segments length, Vo2 max and anaerobic power. Twenty six men and eighteen women (age 22-24 yrs) were divided into sedentary and amateur athletes groups (Ms, Ma, Fs, Fa). The general physical fitness were measured. Vertical jump and reach test was recorded by digital indication jump meter. The horizontal jump test at various directions were performed with barefeet either one or both feet takeoff. The results showed that the vertical and horizontal jump distance at various directions in males did not have significantly difference between sedentary and amateur athletes except the horizontal jump at 180 degree c. While in female, insignificantly difference was found only in the horizontal jump distance at 135 degree c. It was apparently found that the greatest horizontal jump distance was found at 90 degree c while the shortest was found at 270 degree c. The horizontal jump in forward directions (0 degree c,45 degree c, 90 degree c, 135 degree c, 180 degree c ) had greater distance than that in backward directions (225 degree c,270 degree c,315 degree c). However no significant difference between left and right direction (180 degree c - 0 degree . 134 degree c - 45 degree c , 225 degree c - 315 degree c ) in each group of subjects except 180 degree c - 0 degree c in male amateur athletes which horizontal jump distance at 180 was greater than that at 0 degree c . The positive relationship between vertical and horizontal jump performance in every directions were found in sedentary group of males and females. A highly positive correlation between both legs volume, lean both legs volume, knee extensors strength and vertical, horizontal jump performance were found in all groups of subjects. However knee flexors strength related to the horizontal jump performance in some directions. A slightly low correlation was found between body segments length and jumping distance. Only female sedentary group that had significantly positive correlations between absolute Vo(,2) max and jumping performance. While female amateur athletes group did not have significantly correlation between anaerobic power and jumping performance. Strong relationship between anaerobic capacity and both types of jumping performance were found in every groups. The horizontal jump performance in mem were superior than those in women in every directions.