The relationships between the ability to select an appropriate joint position and jump and sprint performance

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of an individual’s ability to select an appropriate joint position on physical performance. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-six young females participated in this study. Their ability to select an appropriate knee joint position was determined based on two different knee joint angles. The first was the angle at which the participants expected to show the miximum knee extensor strength, and the second was the angle at which their strength actually peaked. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their ability to select an appropriate knee joint position. We measured the subjects’ sprint and vertical jump performance, and examined performance differences between the two groups. [Results] The subjects that exhibited a greater ability to select an appropriate knee joint position demonstrated significantly better sprint and jump performance. [Conclusion] The ability to select an appropriate joint position has a large effect on physical performance.