EFFECTS OF DYNAMIC STRETCHING WHEN COMBINED WITH SPORTS SPECIFIC ACTIVITY ON JUMP PERFORMANCE IN BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

Background: In basketball, jumping quickly as well as maximally is equally important. Stretching is quite often included as part of warm up exercises but the effects of dynamic stretching on performance and whether it has a sustained effect is not clearly understood. Study Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dynamic stretching when combined with sports specific activity on jump performance in basketball players. Study Design: Quasi Experimental Study Method: Forty basketball players, aged 15-25 years took part in the study. Subjects were asked to perform the dynamic stretching exercises and 15 minutes of sports specific basketball activity which consisted of 10 minutes shooting and 5 minutes sprint layup. Vertical jump test was assessed pre-stretching, immediately after stretching and after 15 minutes of sports specific activity. Results: Significant improvement in vertical jump performance was seen immediately after stretching of 41.9 ±2.30 cm to 44.06±2.29 cm (p<0.0001). After 15 minutes of basketball activity there was maintenance of jump performance seen 44.37±2.32 cm (p=0.053). Conclusion: Jump performance improves immediately after dynamic stretching in basketball players which is maintained after 15 minutes of sports specific activity.