Muscle Activation Sequence Compromises Vertical Jump Performance

Authors

Marchado Marco, Laboratory of Physiology and Biokinetics, Universidade Iguaçu (UNIG)
Miragaya dos Santos Marcelo
Pereira Lucas
Pereira Rafael, Laboratory of Physiology and Biokinetics, Universidade Iguaçu (UNIG)
Sampaio-Jorge Felipe

Abstract

The vertical jump performance is influenced by biomechanical and neuromuscular features. An electromyographic assessment was made to evaluate the influence of motor control in jumping. Fifteen healthy subjects carried out three consecutive trials of vertical jumps, during which electromyography (EMG) was recorded of the muscles of vastus medialis (VM), rectus femuris (RF), biceps femuris (BF) and gastrocnemius lateralis (LG). The time of flight and the phases of the jump were identified by a pressure sensor. The results demonstrated a significant difference (p<0.05) between the two jump trials, which were divided into the best and the worst performances. The EMG analysis showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the EMG onset time of the BF muscle, which was activated early in the worst performance when compared to the better result. No difference was identified in the EMG activity (RMS) in 400ms before the takeoff phase of the jump, which was different from the EMG onset time. Our results suggest that early activation of the BF may influence the joint power transfer and the appropriate power resultant to promote proper performance in vertical jumps.

Keywords

electromyography, motor control, vertical jump

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References

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