Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(5): 420-425
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924507
Orthopedics & Biomechanics

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Principal Component Structure and Sport-Specific Differences in the Running One-Leg Vertical Jump

G. Laffaye1 , B. G. Bardy1 , A. Durey2  † 
  • 1Motor Control and Perception Laboratory, UPRES EA 4042, University Paris XI, Orsay, France
  • 2Laboratory of Aerodynamics and Biomechanics, University of the Mediterranean, Marseille, France
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: July 20, 2006

Publication Date:
16 November 2006 (online)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the kinetic principal components involved in one-leg running vertical jumps, as well as the potential differences between specialists from different sports. The sample was composed of 25 regional skilled athletes who play different jumping sports (volleyball players, handball players, basketball players, high jumpers and novices), who performed a running one-leg jump. A principal component analysis was performed on the data obtained from the 200 tested jumps in order to identify the principal components summarizing the six variables extracted from the force-time curve. Two principal components including six variables accounted for 78 % of the variance in jump height. Running one-leg vertical jump performance was predicted by a temporal component (that brings together impulse time, eccentric time and vertical displacement of the center of mass) and a force component (who brings together relative peak of force and power, and rate of force development). A comparison made among athletes revealed a temporal-prevailing profile for volleyball players, and a force-dominant profile for Fosbury high jumpers. Novices showed an ineffective utilization of the force component, while handball and basketball players showed heterogeneous and neutral component profiles. Participants will use a jumping strategy in which variables related to either the magnitude or timing of force production will be closely coupled; athletes from different sporting backgrounds will use a jumping strategy that reflects the inherent demands of their chosen sport.

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Guillaume Laffaye

Center for Research in Sport Sciences
University of Paris Sud XI

Batiment 335

91405 Orsay Cedex

France

Phone: + 33 1 69 15 62 87

Fax: + 33 1 69 15 62 22

Email: cglaffaye@aol.com