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Differences and correlations between horizontal and vertical single-leg jump performance, dynamic balance, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in male amateur rugby players according to playing positions

2024; Elsevier BV; Volume: 38; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.033

1532-9283

Eduardo Tondelli, Ian C. Kenny, Thomas M. Comyns, Santiago Zabaloy,

Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies

Abstract Objectives To explore the differences and correlations in the Y-Balance Test (YBT) scores, ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion (ADF ROM ), single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) and single-leg hop for distance (SLHD) in amateur male rugby players by playing positions and limb dominance. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Argentinian amateur rugby club. Participants Male (n = 58) senior amateur rugby players. Main outcome measures ADF ROM , YBT (anterior [AN] , posteromedial, posterolateral, and composite [COM] ), SLDJ and SLHD performances. Results Forwards demonstrated different anthropometric traits than backs (p < 0.001 to 0.003; ES: −0.515 to −1.349), whereas the latter attained better jump and YBT COM performance compared to the former, irrespective of limb dominance (p: 0.007–0.034; ES: 0.577–0.740). With regards to the associations, forwards' BMI (rho: −0.35 to −0.52, ES: 0.184) and ADF ROM values (rho: 0.41 to 0.53, ES: 0.184; r: 0.43 to 0.50, ES: 0.184) were associated to jump performance among both limbs. In contrast, for the backs, leg length (rho: 0.42–0.45, ES: 0.214) and YBT COM (rho: −0.67 to −0.76, ES: 0.215) were associated with SLHD. Likewise, ADF ROM values (r: 0.44–0.56, ES: 0.185) were moderately associated to YBT AN in both limbs. Conclusions Backs attained better dynamic balance, wider ADF ROM , and better unilateral vertical and horizontal jumps performances in dominant and non-dominant limb, compared to forwards. Additionally, ADF ROM maybe an important aspect to consider when aiming to improve balance and jump performance among forwards and backs.