Does age affect functional jump performance of young basketball players?

Abstract

Introduction. Basketball is characterized as a combination of masterful skills and high–intensity neuromuscular actions demanding game, which is distinguished by intermittent, changing functional movements and complexity of their technical performance [1,2]. Reported that basketball players performed 40–70 jumps and landings in the match [3]. During puberty, when the physical features of children are changing, assessment of neuromuscular asymmetry and biomechanics becomes a particularly important identification measure needed to predict potential risks of lower limb injury, as well as to ensure effective training [4]. Research aim. To evaluate functional jump performance of young basketball players and analyze it according to age. Research methods and organization. This study was carried out June - September 2020 at „Vilniaus krepšinio mokykla“ and „Sostinės krepšinio mokykla“ basketball schools. The research was approved by Bioethics Center of Lithuania University of Health Science and the parents of all subjects of this study have signed off for their children to take part in this study. Forty two children, who attend trainings at one of these basketball schools, were included in this study. The average age of these children was 12.2±2.7 years, height was 1.62±0.20 m, body mass was 54.45±18.27 kg. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 20.19±2.38 kg/m2. Children were divided into 4 groups depending on their gender and age. First group included 9–10 years old girls (n=10) the mean height of this group was 1.45±0.06 m, mean body mass was 38.70±2.06 kg., second group – 14–15 years old girls (n=11) the mean height was 1.72±0.08 m, body mass 59.90±11.84 kg. Third group – 9–10 years old boys (n=10) the mean height was 1.42±0.07 m, body mass 39.00±6.53 kg and fourth group – 14–15 years old boys (n=11) the mean height was 1.85±0.06 m., body mass 77.36±9.42 kg. The anthropometric [...].