Effect of Using Hand Weights on Performance in the Standing Long Jump
Location
Exhibition Hall, DeVos Center
Description
PURPOSE: Previous standing long jump studies have shown that jumping with hand weights can significantly increase jumping performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that enable performance improvement in the standing long jump when using hand weights and test the hypothesis the releasing the hand weights during flight can further increase jump distance. SUBJECTS: Four college-aged male subjects were chosen based on participation in athletic activities and physical ability. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Each subject executed 24 jumps (six trials for each of four different standing long jump techniques: without weights, with weights, releasing the weights backwards near the high point of the jump, and releasing the weights just prior to landing). Joint positions were recorded using multiple high-speed cameras and reflective position markers on the body. ANALYSES: The net joint moments were calculated using a 2D inverse dynamics analysis. An energy analysis of the system between jump initiation and takeoff was also performed. Data was compared between jump types using two-way ANOVA and ANCOVA linear statistical models. RESULTS: A significant increase in jump distance was found for both jump types involving weight release as compared to jump types without weights or with retaining weights for the entire jump. One mechanism that enabled this performance improvement in jumps with hand held weights was the increased amount of work performed by the lower body muscles during the take-off phase. CONCLUSIONS: Performance in the standing long jump can be enhanced by jumping with hand weights and releasing them during flight.
Effect of Using Hand Weights on Performance in the Standing Long Jump
Exhibition Hall, DeVos Center
PURPOSE: Previous standing long jump studies have shown that jumping with hand weights can significantly increase jumping performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that enable performance improvement in the standing long jump when using hand weights and test the hypothesis the releasing the hand weights during flight can further increase jump distance. SUBJECTS: Four college-aged male subjects were chosen based on participation in athletic activities and physical ability. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Each subject executed 24 jumps (six trials for each of four different standing long jump techniques: without weights, with weights, releasing the weights backwards near the high point of the jump, and releasing the weights just prior to landing). Joint positions were recorded using multiple high-speed cameras and reflective position markers on the body. ANALYSES: The net joint moments were calculated using a 2D inverse dynamics analysis. An energy analysis of the system between jump initiation and takeoff was also performed. Data was compared between jump types using two-way ANOVA and ANCOVA linear statistical models. RESULTS: A significant increase in jump distance was found for both jump types involving weight release as compared to jump types without weights or with retaining weights for the entire jump. One mechanism that enabled this performance improvement in jumps with hand held weights was the increased amount of work performed by the lower body muscles during the take-off phase. CONCLUSIONS: Performance in the standing long jump can be enhanced by jumping with hand weights and releasing them during flight.