Abstract

MELO, Sebastião I. Lopes et al. Motor development of children in different maturement stages: biomechanics analysis. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.1, pp.58-67. ISSN 1645-0523.

This descriptive exploratory study evaluated biomechanical characteristics of vertical jump of children in different maturation stages (initial, elementary and mature) according to Gallahue’s model (1989). Specifically, variables of different stages were characterized and compared and the contribution of these variables to the performance was verified. The sample was composed by 39 scholars, selected through a systematic casual sampling process. An extensometric force plate sampled at 900 Hz, a 60 Hz video camera and Gallahue’s Analytical Matrix (1989) were used. Dynamic data were normalized by body weight, processed through Peak Motus System and filtered by a fourth-order low-pass Butterworth filter with a 30 Hz cut-off frequency. Analyzed variables: peak and gradient of propulsion, vertical impulse, impact, flight time, hip and knee angles during propulsion, flight and landing phases. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, ANOVA one-way followed by Scheffé post-hoc test and also Multiple Linear Regression (p≤0,05). One verified significant differences between the stages for flight time and hip angle during the three jump phases; and for knee angle during flight phase. Vertical impulse was the variable that most contributed to the performance. Children in mature stage presented better coordination of body segments during the vertical jump execution than children in other stages.

Keywords : vertical jump; motor development; children; biomechanics.

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