The effects of the Skyflex on vertical jump height and speed

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Authors
Waggener, Wesley R.
Advisor
Gehlsen, Gale M.
Issue Date
1997
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
School of Physical Education
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the affect of SkyFlex training would have on jumping ability. The SkyFlex is a shoe constructed with a forefoot platform elevating the heel. The design purports enhancement of the stretch reflex in the Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles. The SkyFlex includes an Airlon Flexfit sock liner designed to keep the ankle warm during training, minimizing tightness and flexibility reductions. Division I varsity male volleyball players (n= 17) were tested for the following: standing vertical jump, approach jump, court sprint, shuttle run, and anthropometry. Two-way AN OVA found no statistical significance (p<0.05) on any of the variables except for the differences between sessions of reaction forces. SkyFlex test group Ankle flexibility decreased with dorsiflexion while the control group increased both dorsal and plantar flexion. Based on the results of this study, training in the SkyFlex does not provide training advantages over training in a regular athletic shoe.

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