Stretching Exercises to Improve Vertical Jump in Teen Athletes Comparing Lower Leg and Shoulder Flexibility Training

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how different stretching programs affect vertical jump performance in adolescent athletes aged 12 to 17. The study compares an 8-week plantar flexor stretching program to a shoulder stretching program to see which better improves jump height and related performance measures. Participants are grouped by sex and maturity status before being randomly assigned to one of the two stretching programs. Participants perform stretching exercises five times per week for eight weeks. One group stretches the muscles at the back of the lower leg plantar flexors while the other group stretches the muscles around the shoulder joint. Both groups complete the same volume of stretches to compare the effects on jump performance. During the study, participants vertical jump and landing performance are assessed before and after the training period. Researchers measure changes in jump height, take-off velocity, ground reaction forces, and flexibility in both the ankle dorsiflexors and shoulder. The study lasts eight weeks, focusing on how these stretching routines impact jumping ability in young athletes.

Stretching to Improve Jumping Performance