Stretching to enhance jumping ability in athletes
Flexibility Training (Stretching) to Improve Jumping Performance
This study is testing if an 8-week stretching program for the calf muscles can help young athletes jump higher compared to a shoulder stretching program.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Saskatchewan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06944652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effects of an 8-week plantar flexor stretching program against a shoulder stretching program on vertical jump performance in adolescent athletes. The hypothesis is that increased flexibility, particularly in the plantar flexors, may lead to improved jumping ability by allowing for greater force development during the jump. Participants will be stratified by sex and maturity status and randomly assigned to one of the two stretching groups. Vertical jump and landing performance will be assessed before and after the intervention to measure the outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescent athletes currently involved in a sport training program.
Not a fit: Patients with current or past injuries affecting jumping performance or the ability to stretch the plantar flexors or shoulder joint may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved training methods for enhancing athletic performance in jumping sports.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of comparing plantar flexor and shoulder stretching is novel, similar studies have shown that flexibility training can positively impact athletic performance.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- College of Kinesiology University of Saskatchewan — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Philip Chilibeck, PhD
- Email: phil.chilibeck@usask.ca
- Phone: 306-966-1072
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.