Stretching to Improve Jumping Performance

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Vertical Jump Performance

• Registration Number: NCT06944652
• Lead Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Brief Summary

The study involves comparison of an 8-week plantar flexor stretching program to a shoulder stretching program for improving vertical jump performance in adolescent athletes.

Detailed Description

Increasing flexibility may improve vertical jump performance. For example, being able to go deeper into a squat before jumping may allow for greater force development through the range of movement and this may transfer to greater vertical jump height. The study compares plantar flexor stretching to shoulder stretching for improving vertical jump performance in adolescent athletes. Athletes are being stratified by sex and maturity status (before or after estimated age at peak height velocity) and randomized to one of two groups: Plantar flexor stretching (2 sets of 6 stretches, 5 times per week) or the same volume of shoulder stretching. Before and after training, participants are being assessed for vertical jump and landing performance.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-17
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-17
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-25
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-25
• Study Start: 2025-04-28
• Primary Completion: 2026-04-28
• Study Completion: 2026-05-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Currently involved in a sport training program

Exclusion Criteria

• Current or past injuries that might affect jumping performance or stretching the plantar flexors or shoulder joint

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Counter movement jump height	Change over 8 weeks	Counter movement jump height assessed on a force plate

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Take-off velocity	Change over 8 weeks	Take-off velocity assessed on a force plate in the right and left limbs
Ground reaction force on take off	Change over 8 weeks	Ground reaction force on take off from a counter movement jump on a force plate in right and left limbs
Ground reaction force on landing	Change over 8 weeks	Ground reaction force when landing from a jumping on force plate in right and left limbs
Ground reaction force when landing from a standard height	Change over 8 weeks	Ground reaction force when landing from a height (150% of baseline counter movement jump height)
Functional dorsiflexor range of movement	Change over 8 weeks	Functional dorsiflexor range of movement assessed with an inclinometer in left and right limbs
Active dorsiflexor range of movement	Change over 8 weeks	Active dorsiflexor range of movement assessed with a goniometer in right and left limbs
Passive dorsiflexor range of movement	Change over 8 weeks	Passive dorsiflexor range of movement assessed with a goniometer in right and left limbs
Shoulder flexibility	Change over 8 weeks	Shoulder flexibility assessed with a goniometer in right and left limbs

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

College of Kinesiology University of Saskatchewan; 🇨🇦 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada