A Comparison of Take-off

Velocity in Dominant and

Non-Dominant Legs During
Bilateral and Unilateral
Squat Jumps
Alexa Jacek
Esm Nell
Brianna Crighton
Josh Piemontesi

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the

differences between the takeoff velocity in the dominant
and nondominant legs during a bilateral jump,
dominant and nondominant unilateral jumps.

As well as to determine joint angle differences of the

dominant leg about the knee and ankle between
bilateral and unilateral jumps.

Hypotheses
That both the unilateral and bilateral jump the
dominant leg would have greater production of force in
the Z direction, resulting in an increased net positive
impulse, and takeoff velocity.
That unilateral jumps would have a decreased knee and
ankle flexion than bilateral jumps.

Methods
Jump conditions were selected at random
Each jump condition was done in a squat jump form.
A consistent practice format was used
From the measured vGRF, vertical velocity was
calculated in Excel using the impulse
Data from video capture was analyzed using Kinovea to
determine joint angles differences of the knee and
ankle.

Top of Movement

Bottom of Movement

Findings
In 2 of 3 participants it was seen that their dominant leg
had a greater take-off velocity than their non-dominant
leg in a bilateral jump
In 2 of 3 participants it was seen that during a unilateral
squat jump, their dominant leg produced a greater takeoff velocity
The general trend shows that individuals dominant legs
produce a greater take-off velocity in both bilateral and
unilateral squat jumps

Figure 1. Comparison of Take-off Velocity

between Participants During 4 Jump
Conditions

Recommendations
1. Larger sample size.
2. Heterogeneous gender population.
3. Both right and left leg dominances.
4. Specified joint angles.

Conclusion

There seems to be leg dominance in jumping

tasks, however, there are many outside
influences and individual variation.

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