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EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FLIGHT TIME TO CONTRACTION TIME AND REACTIVE STRENGTH INDEX-MODIFIED

Abstract

Brady S. Brown1,2, Aaron D. Heishman1,2, Ryan M. Miller1, Eduardo D.S. Freitas1, Bryce D. Daub2, and Michael G. Bemben1 1University of Oklahoma, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Norman, Oklahoma. 2University of Oklahoma, Department of Athletics, Basketball Strength and Performance, Norman, Oklahoma

The countermovement jump (CMJ) is commonly used to monitor acute readiness, as well as long-term adaptations in athletic performance. Two protocols are regularly employed when performing the CMJ. One protocol is performed with an arm swing (CMJAS), which has been advocated for use when evaluating long-term change in performance. Alternatively, CMJs performed without an arm swing (CMJNAS) have been recommended for monitoring acute neuromuscular readiness. Flight Time to Contraction Time Ratio (FT:CT) and Reactive Strength Index Modified (RSIMOD) are two common variables of interest during the CMJ analysis. However, their similarities in computation may make their simultaneous inclusion redundant to practitioners. Purpose: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between FT:CT and RSIMOD during the CMJAS and the CMJNAS, in a cohort of skilled jumpers. Methods: Twenty-two (mean ± SD; men: n = 14, age = 19.7±1.0 years [age range: 18–22 years], height = 197.6±7.1 cm, body mass = 94.7±6.2 kg; women: n = 8, age = 20±1.6years, height = 180.2±6.5 cm, body mass = 78.2±8.3 kg) NCAA Division I collegiate basketball players performed 3 CMJAS and 3 CMJNAS on a force plate, in a randomized order. Participants returned after 1-week to perform 3 additional CMJAS and 3 CMJNAS. Pearson’s correlation determined the relationship between FT:CT and RSIMOD during each trial. Results: There was strong positive correlation between FT:CT and RSIMOD during both CMJAS (Trial 1: r = 0.958, p<0.001; Trial 2: r = 0.951, p<0.001) and CMJNAS (Trial 1: r = 0.969, p<0.001; Trial 2: r = 0.965, p<0.001). Conclusion: The strong positive correlations among FT:CT and RSIMOD, may suggest that practitioners need to only use one of these variables when monitoring changes in athlete performance. Future literature should examine the relationship between these variables and fatigue to provide insight regarding which variable may be more beneficial regarding athlete monitoring.

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