Comparison of tests to evaluate the vertical rebound jump in basketball players

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the vertical rebound jump performance of basketball players by using Hurdle Jump and Drop Jump tests based on different performance parameters, in addition to investigating whether the height of the hurdles used (barrier and box) are equivalent when the optimal and maximum heights for the tests mentioned are determined. Thirteen players of a male basketball team were included in this study (age 18.77 ±1.78 years old, height 182 ±7.97 m, body mass 76.4 ±9.55 kg, practice time 6.0 ±1.8 years). Data normality and homogeneity were tested by applying Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, respectively.  The paired t-test was used to compare the means of the results obtained in the tests; the significance level was p ≤ 0.05. The results regarding the comparison of the performance parameters means were the following: the maximum vertical rebound  jump and reactive strength index did not show significant differences (p = 0.256 and p = 0.243, respectively); on the other hand, differences were seen for the corresponding obstacle heights. These differences can be attributed to both, individual characteristics of each subject and the specificities of the tests.