Determine squat depth with angles of hip, knee and ankle, and examine its relation with vertical jump height

• Main Author: Leong, Wui Leng
• Other Authors: Dr John Tan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Science::General
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63134
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Squat depth, known as the quantification of lowered squat position, is a factor that influences vertical jump height (VJH). Minimum vertical height (MVH) is commonly used as a measurement. However, it requires tedious mathematical calculations. Hip height (HH) and triple flexion position (TFP) are convenient ways of measuring squat depth. The purpose of this study is to investigate if HH and TFP are good alternatives to MVH, and to investigate the relationship between squat depths and VJH. Squat depth was analyzed in three ways: MVH, HH and sum of TFP angles. VJH was measured using the difference between standing reach height and highest point reached by the jumper. Five healthy male and five healthy female adults performed two jumps. Participants were asked to squat deeper for their second jump. Jump heights were measured using a Vertec. The experimental procedure was captured using a high-speed camera, and video was subsequently used for video analysis. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Results showed high correlation between MVH and HH (r=0.802, p<0.05), and also between MVH and TFP (r=0.844, p<0.05). Prediction of VJH was limited although there was slight statistical significance in prediction of VJH from TFP (r2=0.338, r=0.581, p<0.05). In conclusion, this study showed possibilities of using HH and TFP in place of MVH, as they were proven to be valid measures of squat depth. Low to moderate relationship between squat depths and VJH suggest that squat depth might not be the only factor influencing jump height.