title: Vertical Jump Biomechanics Altered With Virtual Overhead Goal.
abstract: Virtual environments with real-time feedback can simulate extrinsic goals that mimic real life conditions. The purpose was to compare jump performance and biomechanics with a physical overhead goal (POG) and with a virtual overhead goal (VOG). Fourteen female subjects participated (age: 18.8 ± 1.1 years, height: 163.2 ± 8.1 cm, weight 63.0 ± 7.9 kg). Sagittal plane trunk, hip, and knee biomechanics were calculated during the landing and take-off phases of drop vertical jump with different goal conditions. Repeated-measures ANOVAs determined differences between goal conditions. Vertical jump height displacement was not different during VOG compared with POG. Greater hip extensor moment (P < .001*) and hip angular impulse (P < .004*) were found during VOG compared with POG. Subjects landed more erect with less magnitude of trunk flexion (P = .002*) during POG compared with VOG. A virtual target can optimize jump height and promote increased hip moments and trunk flexion. This may be a useful alternative to physical targets to improve performance during certain biomechanical testing, screening, and training conditions.
authors.affiliation: 1 High Point University.
authors.forename: Kevin R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.affiliation: 1 High Point University.
authors.forename: Anh-Dung
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.affiliation: 1 High Point University.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Hegedus
authors.affiliation: 1 High Point University.
authors.forename: Jeffrey B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001490:Basketball / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D000070856:High Fidelity Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014584:User-Computer Interface
keywords: biomechanics; drop vertical jump; externally focused attention; female athletes