Jump-landing direction influences dynamic postural stability scores

SummaryThe purpose of this investigation was to determine dynamic postural stability differences among forward, diagonal, and lateral single leg-hop-stabilization protocols in healthy subjects. A one-within repeated measures design was used to determine the effects of jump direction on dynamic postural stability during landing. Subjects were required to perform a two-legged forward, diagonal, and lateral jump to a height equivalent to 50% of their maximum vertical leap, land on a single leg and balance for three seconds. Twenty-six subjects [10 males (22 ± 3.9 years of age, 70.9 ± 7.6 kg, and 176.8 ± 6.5 cm) and 16 females (20.6 ± .5 years of age, 65.6 ± 9.1 kg, and 166.4 ± 5.9 cm)] volunteered to participate in this investigation. Dynamic postural stability indices for the anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and vertical planes were collected during jump-landing trials of each direction. The results of the investigation show that medial/lateral and vertical dynamic postural stability were significantly affected by the direction of the jump. More specifically, lateral and diagonal jump-landings produce increased medial/lateral stability index (MLSI) scores and forward jump-landings produce increased vertical stability index (VSI) scores. The results suggest that in a healthy population, jump protocol direction will statistically affect dynamic postural stability in the frontal and vertical planes. These alterations could be exacerbated in individuals with lower extremity impairments and further research is warranted.