The effects of a functional individualised training programme on vertical jump height in adolescent gymnasts

Abstract

Objective: To observe the effects of an individualised functional training programme on the vertical jump height in a population of adolescent gymnasts with a particular reference to observing the vertical jump on both the dominant and nondominant leg and noting any effects accordingly. Method: This pilot study used a quantitative, experimental approach in which a group of seven gymnasts underwent pre- and post-testing following an intervention programme. A convenience sample was recruited voluntarily. The participants attended the ‘Chun Gymnastics’ school in Malta. The vertical jump height of the participants was recorded via a single leg countermovement jump on the left and right leg. Their functional movements were also screened by use of the Functional Movement Screen. An individualised functional training programme was created for each participant based on scores recorded. The intervention programme was performed three times a week, on non-consecutive days, for six weeks. The vertical jump height was then re-tested. Results: The participants had a mean age of 12.71 (±1.70) years, height of 148.77 (±11.99) cm, and weight of 40.96 (±10.30) kg. An improvement in vertical jump height was found bilaterally in five out of seven participants (71.3%). However, the results were found to be statistically significant on neither the right (p=0.38) nor the left take-off leg (p=0.22). Conclusion: The results suggested that an individualised functional movement programme could increase vertical jump height. However, further research is required to evaluate these findings as statistically significant results were not recorded.