A cross-sectional study on the development of approach run velocity and motion of long jump in elementary school students

Abstract

To clarify developmental characteristics and sex differences in elementary school students, the approach run velocity and jumping movements during the long jump performed by second- (16 males and 15 females), fourth- (18 males and 18 females), and sixth (20 males and 16 females) -grade students were kinematically analyzed. In addition to measuring the distances achieved by the students, their movements from the start of the approach run to landing were video-recorded. Using recorded images, the mean approach run velocity in each 3-m section of the track was calculated, and factors associated with jumping movements were examined.
Sixth-grade students (males: 2.83±0.45 m, females: 2.25±0.32 m) achieved the longest distances, followed by fourth- (males: 2.41±0.41 m, female: 2.07±0.29 m) and second- (males: 2.15±0.27 m, females: 1.64±0.26 m) graders, in this order, with significant differences. As for the approach run velocity in the last 3-m section, both male and female sixth- and fourth-graders maintained their velocities until take-off, while those of male and female second-graders decreased. When preparing their bodies for take-off, both male and female six-graders straightened their upper bodies more quickly than second-graders to increase their initial vertical velocities at take-off. On the other hand, in both males and females, landing movements did not improve with age. On examining sex differences in jumping movements, decreases in the velocity during take-off, as well as the forward force when landing, were less marked among males at all grades.