The effect of hamstring shortness on vertical jump and balance performance in youth amateur basketball players

Abstract

Background: Hamstring flexibility significantly influences athletic performance, particularly in dynamic actions like vertical jumps and balance. This study seeks to uncover the connection between hamstring shortness and the dynamic interplay of vertical jump height and balance in these youth basketball athletes. Materials and methods: The study included 84 male youth basketball players with hamstring shortness. Participants underwent assessments including hamstring flexibility, hip flexed and knee extended (HF-KE), Sit and Reach Test, vertical jump measurement with the Optojump device, and balance measurement with the Y Balance Test. Results: The findings of our study indicate that there is a negative correlation between vertical jump test results and left HF-KE (p < 0.001). Y balance was significantly negative correlated with the right HF-KE (p = 0.011). Multiple regression analysis revealed that right HF-KE has a significant effect on jumping performance (95% CI = −0.140–0.587, p = 0.002), while left HF-KE also has a significant effect on jump performance (95% CI = −0.612–0.784, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, our study underscores the crucial role of hamstring flexibility in vertical jump performance among youth basketball players. The significant associations found between left HF-KE with vertical jump performance highlight the importance of addressing hamstring shortness in training programs aimed at enhancing jump performance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve hamstring flexibility, which could ultimately contribute to better athletic performance and injury prevention in this population. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.