The role of a check-mark in step length adjustment in long jump

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of utilizing a check-mark on step length adjustment in long jump. Twelve male non-skilled jumpers (age 22±0.9 years, height 1.74±0.09 m, body mass 69±9 kg) with 3 years athletics experience volunteered in this research. Using a within-participant design, participants performed six jumps in two conditions: with and without the check-mark. Footfall variability, and then step length adjustment during approach run (ten final steps) were evaluated by the calculation of the standard deviation (SD) of the toe-to-board distances for analogous step of the approach run across each subject’s attempts. The Optojump Next (Microgate, Italy) was used in this study. Post hoc analysis showed that the footfall variability was significantly (p<0.05) different from 6th to 1st step from the board for both the approach run conditions. In addition, pairwise analysis indicated that the take-off accuracy was significantly (p<0.05) greater, and onset of step length adjustment was significantly (p<0.05) earlier in the check-mark conditions than seen in non-check-mark conditions. The low skilled athletes or those with inconsistent pattern of gait regulation should employ the check-mark on the run-way during their training and competitions.