RELATIONSHIP OF LIMB GIRTH, SEGMENTAL LIMB LENGTH, HAMSTRING FLEXIBILITY WITH VERTICAL JUMP IN MALE SPORTS PLAYERS

Abstract

Objective: To determine if upper and lower body segment length, girth and hamstring flexibility contributes to vertical jump (VJ) displacement. Methods: Two hundred male sports players aged between 18 to 25 years were recruited. Upper limb length (humerus, ulna, hand), lower limb length (femur, tibia, foot), upper limb girth (arm, forearm), lower limb girth (thigh, calf) and hamstring flexibility were assessed. The subjects were asked to perform VJ and the average of 3 readings was calculated. Results: Data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation. The results showed a moderate positive correlation of lengths of humerus, ulna, femur, tibia, foot with VJ (p<0.05). Thigh girth, calf girth, and hamstring flexibility showed a weak positive correlation with VJ (p<0.05). However the length of ulna and girth of arm did not show any significant correlation with VJ. Conclusion: Segmental limb length (humerus, hand, femur, tibia, foot), limb girth (forearm, thigh, calf) and hamstring flexibility may contribute to a higher VJ.