The effect of trunk stability and leg strength training on vertical take-off velocity in athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of trunk stability training on the performance of vertical jumping as assessed by vertical take-off velocity. Athletes (20 males, 35 females) were randomly assigned to one of four training groups: trunk stability (TS), leg strength (LS), trunk stability and leg strength (TL), and control (CO). Subjects were tested for pre-training scores; after three weeks of training; and at the end of a nine-week training period. A repeated measures ANCOVA was used to examine differences between groups for vertical take-off velocity using a force plate and fatigue index using a repeated vertical jump test. Pre-training take-off velocity and pre-training body mass were used as co variates. After three weeks of training, only the TS group had a significantly greater vertical take-off velocity compared to the control group (p