Date of Defense

4-20-2018

Date of Graduation

4-2018

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Nicholas Hanson

Second Advisor

Sangwoo Lee

Third Advisor

Debra Berkey

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine two different stretching techniques, ballistic and dynamic, and observe their effects on power output, measured via vertical jump height and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF). In the past, there has been insufficient and conflicting research regarding the type of stretching on power output. Stretching has been used in athletics to increase flexibility, prevent injury, and increase overall athletic performance. However, there is little research specifically demonstrating whether stretching has the ability to prevent injury or improve performance. Dance skills require significantly more flexibility than other sports while still requiring power to complete jumps and leaps.

This study specifically recruited female collegiate dancers. An experimental design was used where each participant completed two lab sessions. During each session, the participant completed either the ballistic or dynamic stretching protocol and then performed five vertical jumps. By completing the jumps on a force plate, the vGRF force was calculated. The height of the jumps was measured and recorded by retro-reflective markers placed on the lower extremities, which were recognized and recorded by a real-time motion capture system. Using the information from the force plate and the real-time motion capture system, jump height and vGRF force generated were calculated. The data was analyzed using Kwon3D Motion Analysis Suite and SPSS was used to calculate statistics on the data collected.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

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