Does lower back flexibility make an elite high jumper

Background • Defining flexibility:- the ability to move a joint or combination of joints through a

range of motion (ROM) for which they were intended. • What is the fosbury flop:- it is a type of technique of a high jump that has been

dramatically revolutionised • What is being assessed: the range of motion of the back flexing to sail over the bar

in a backward move. • why is it useful:- flexibility in the back can determine whether the high jumper can

use a degree of extension during the take off.• Choice of assessment:- the flexibility tests will offer the range of motion in the back• Physiology of flexibility:-The contortion of the body while moving across the bar

requires continuous reinforcement of the musculoskeletal flexibility of the athlete.

• The high jumper will incorporate elements of flexibility.

(World of Sport Science, 2008)

Physiological factors (High Jumper)

Proprioceptors

Muscle spindles

Stretch reflex

Physiological testing

• There are essentially two forms of flexibility testing: static and dynamic assessments (Foss and Keteyian 1996).

• Dynamic flexibility in a high jumper uses range of motion through which a body segment can move while it is actively moving and is caused by muscle contraction.

• Static flexibility is a good indicator of relative tightening in the muscle, and can reduce the risk of muscle tightness for en elite high jumper

• Flexion tests• The assessment identifies muscular range of motion.

• Sit and reach • tests measures the range on motion of hamstrings. Many athletes employ the sit and

reach test as it is a good indictor of the hamstring static flexibility (Chandler and Brown 2008).

• Leighton Flexometer • Leighton flexometer is the most reliable and accurate measurement of flexibility to date

(Poole, 1993).

• Standing toe touch test• The athlete stands with their hands by their side and their knees straight.

• Videographic analysis• Three-dimensional video analysis was used to record the performances of two elite male

high jumpers in competition. (Taylor and Francis 2005)•

Relevant Tests

• Modified schober test • This test is designed specifically to assess the lower back flexibility.• The physical examination includes the Schober test, which is used to detect decreased mobility in the back

(Harvey, 1998).• Advantages:- its shows the extensibility of the lower back • Disadvantages:-the relaibility arises from problems with determining the lumbarsacral junction

• Goniometer• It is a protractor with a movable arm. The axis of rotation is positioned at the joint axis of rotation and the

degees of ROM then measured.• Dual Inclinometry is designed to assess the Extremity Range of Motion and the structure of the spine. • A study examined the reliability and validity of measuring lumbar range of motion with an inclinometer (Saur,

1996). • Advantages:- Achieves accuracy and repeatability of +/- one degree•• Disadvantages:-The first one is that it is difficult to locate the exact mis of the joint.

• Trunk and Neck Flexibility Test• many elite high jumpers take, as a measure of their range of motion, is a trunk and neck flexibility test.• Advantages:- its simple and straightforward • Disadvantages:-the test might not be conducted properly and motivation might be lacked

Analysing methods of testing

• Goniometer• Dynamic and Static symbols • Automatically shows true range of motion • Simultaneously shows movement at upper

and lower extremes in dual inclinometry mode

• Records data for up to six repetitions• Benefits of a high jumper using this test

can provide accuracy for dynamic move

Conclusion Does flexibility make an elite high jumper?

My chosen tests

Reasons behind the test

Comparing and contrasting

Does it or not?

References •Bailey, M, (2008), Field Assessment of Flexibility for Prescription. Date retrieved from 18/01/09. www.netfit.co.uk/fitness/test/flexibility-test.

•Bordie, D.A., Bird, H.A., & Wright, V. (1982). Joint Laxity in selected athletic populations. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 14, 190-193.

• Chandler, T, J& Brown,. L, E,. (2008) Conditioning for Strength and Human Performance. Published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,

•Foss, M, and Keteyian,.S. (1996) Fox’s Physiological Basis for Exercise and Sport.. WCB/McGraw-Hill, New York. Vol 278-290.

•Harvey D, (1998), Assessment of the flexibility of elite athletes using the modified Thomas test, British Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol 32, Issue 1 68-70

•Kraus, H.,& Hirschland, R. (1954). Minimum muscular fitness tests in school children. Research quarterly, 25, 178-187

Moore, K. L. & Dalley, A. F. (1 999). Clirticuily Oriented Anatomy. (4th ed). Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins Ltd.

•Marshall, J.L., Johanson, N., Wickiewicz, T.L., Tischler, H.M., Koslin, B.L., Zeno, S., & Meyers, A. (1980). Joint loosness: A function of the person and the joint. Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise, 12, 189-194.

•Osternig, F.R., Torvik, P.J., Hyde, W.B., & DeLucas, J.L. (1974). Biomechanics of ligament failure. Journal of Bone and Joint surgery, 56(A), 1406-1418

•Taylor and Francis (2005). Why do high jumpers use a curved approach, Journal of Sport Science, Vol 23, 775-780.

•Saur PM, Ensink F,B,. Frese, K,. Seeger D, Hildebrandt J,. (1996) Lumbar range of motion: reliability and validity of the inclinometer technique in the clinical measurement of trunk flexibility. spinejournal Vol1;21(11):1332-8

•World Of Sport Science, (2008) high jump. Date retrieved from 20/01/09 www.faqs.org/sports-science/Ha-Ja/High-Jump.