Stretching for Vertical Jump Height

Overseen By Philip Chilibeck, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan

Disqualifiers: Current or past injuries, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 8 weeks

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an 8-week stretching program can help adolescent athletes jump higher. It compares two types of stretching: one targeting the muscles at the back of the lower leg (plantar flexors) and another for the shoulder muscles. Participants currently involved in a sports training program, without injuries affecting jumping or stretching, are well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance athletic performance.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that these stretching programs are safe for adolescent athletes?

Research shows that stretching is generally safe and manageable for most people. Studies on stretching the muscles in the lower leg, known as plantar flexors, indicate it can improve balance without causing harm. Other research suggests that stretching does not weaken muscles, further supporting its safety. As this trial focuses on stretching exercises, negative effects are not expected. Stretching is a common, low-risk activity, making it a safe choice for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the potential of stretching for improving vertical jump height because it explores a non-invasive approach without the need for supplements or equipment. Traditional methods for enhancing jump height often involve strength training or plyometric exercises. However, this trial is investigating whether targeted stretching—specifically for the plantar flexors and shoulders—can improve flexibility and contribute to better jump performance. This technique is appealing as it could offer a simple, cost-effective, and accessible way to boost athletic performance without the risks associated with more intense physical training.

What evidence suggests that this trial's stretching programs could be effective for improving vertical jump height?

This trial will compare the effects of different stretching techniques on vertical jump height. Studies have shown that stretching can enhance athletic performance, including jump height. Participants may receive plantar flexor stretching, which involves flexibility training of the muscles at the back of the lower leg. Research indicates that this type of stretching can increase leg power and improve jump performance. Another group will perform shoulder stretching for comparison. Overall, evidence suggests that targeting specific muscle groups with stretching could help athletes jump higher. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adolescent athletes who are actively participating in a sports training program. It's not suitable for those with current or past injuries that could impact their ability to jump or stretch the plantar flexors (muscles of the lower leg) or shoulder joint.

Inclusion Criteria

Currently involved in a sport training program

Exclusion Criteria

I have injuries that could affect my ability to jump or stretch.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo an 8-week stretching program focusing on either plantar flexor or shoulder flexibility

8 weeks

5 sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in vertical jump performance and flexibility

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Stretching

Trial Overview The study tests whether an 8-week stretching program focused on the plantar flexor muscles can improve vertical jump height compared to a shoulder stretching routine among young athletes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Plantar flexor stretching Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Flexibility training (stretching) of the muscles at the back of the lower leg

Group II: Shoulder stretching Active Control 1 Intervention

Flexibility training (stretching) of the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Saskatchewan

Lead Sponsor

Trials

261

Recruited

156,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10495032/

Vertical Jumping Performance: Recording the Effects of ... Our findings demonstrated that PNF stretches of different lengths could potentially alter the stretch-shortening cycle's performance.

2. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2009/03000/effects_of_dynamic_and_static_stretching_on.21.aspx

Effects of Dynamic and Static Stretching on Vertical Jump... The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of SS and DS on vertical jump (VJ) performance and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the m. vastus ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1356689X11001160

The effects of dynamic stretching on plantar flexor muscle- ... Recent studies indicate that dynamic stretching could increase such sports-related performances as leg extension power (Yamaguchi and Ishii, 2005), vertical ...

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/2/1462

Effects of Plantar Flexor Stretching on Static and Dynamic ... The results of this study show that stretching of the plantar flexor muscle improves static balance ability in the eyes-closed condition as well ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/382270223_Acute_effects_of_dynamic_stretching_exercises_on_vertical_jump_performance_and_flexibility

(PDF) Acute effects of dynamic stretching exercises on ... Purpose This study was conducted to examine the acute effects of dynamic stretching exercises (DSE) on vertical jump height (VJH), ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11002243/

Effects of chronic static stretching interventions on jumping ... Based on current literature, a beneficial effect of static stretching on jumping and sprinting performance was hypothesized. A systematic ...

7. scholarworks.uni.edu scholarworks.uni.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2712&context=etd

The Prolonged Effects of Acute Stretching on Vertical Jump Their statistics showed the stretch treatment procedure did not significantly affect the strength of the quadriceps or the hamstrings at either isokinetic speed ...

8. thesportjournal.org thesportjournal.org/article/effects-of-6-week-plyometric-training-on-vertical-jump-performance-and-muscle-activation-of-lower-extremity-muscles/

Effects of 6-Week Plyometric Training on Vertical Jump ... The authors have shown that 6-week PLY training significantly improved EMG activities of lower extremity muscles, but no significant increases ...