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Relationship between vertical jumping performance and anthropometric characteristics during growth in boys and girls

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Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare vertical jumping performances in boys and girls during growth. The maximum heights attained in a countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) were measured using an Ergojump Bosco System. Average power output (PO) was recorded, and percentage of fast-twitch (%FT) muscle fiber distribution was estimated during the rebound jump. Differences in the maximum CMJ and SJ (CMJ–SJ) heights were calculated. Regressions between PO and age, lean body mass (LBM), and leg muscle volume (LMV), respectively, were computed for 240 boys and 239 girls (aged 11–16 years). Height, LMV, and body mass values were larger in boys than girls aged 14 years. Both groups had a similar body mass index independently of age. The CMJ, SJ, PO, and %FT were larger in boys than in girls between 12 and 16 years of age. Strong correlations were found between PO and age in the population as a whole, and between PO and LBM, PO and LMV in each group. The CMJ–SJ decreased with increasing age in both groups without significant differences. Conclusion Jumping performance increases during growth, with gender differences manifesting from 14 years onwards due to the much greater increase in leg length and LMV in boys than in girls.

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Acknowledgements

We want to thank the boys and the girls who took part in this study as well as their parents and the schools’ directors who gave their permission for performing all of the tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculté des Sciences du Sports, EA 3300, “Adaptations Physiologiques à l’Exercice et Réadaptation à l’Effort”, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Avenue P. Claudel, 80025, Amiens Cedex, France

    Abdou Temfemo, Jullien Hugues, Samuel-Honoré Mandengue & Said Ahmaidi

  2. Faculté de Médecine, EA 3901, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 3 rue des Louvels, 80000, Amiens Cedex, France

    Karen Chardon

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  1. Abdou Temfemo
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  2. Jullien Hugues
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  3. Karen Chardon
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  4. Samuel-Honoré Mandengue
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  5. Said Ahmaidi
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Correspondence to Said Ahmaidi.

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Temfemo, A., Hugues, J., Chardon, K. et al. Relationship between vertical jumping performance and anthropometric characteristics during growth in boys and girls. Eur J Pediatr 168, 457–464 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0771-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-008-0771-5

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