THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANKLE, KNEE, AND HIP MOBILITY AND LOWER LIMB FORCE PRODUCTION IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYERS

Authors

Chandler Koerner*, Brewton-Parker College, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445Follow
Justine M. Hardy, Brewton-Parker College, Mt. Vernon, GA 30445Follow

Abstract

The mobility and stability of the ankle, knee, and hip are significant to achieving higher levels of athletic performance. Inadequate mobility or stability limits the amount of force produced is limited. As force production directly correlates with athletic performance, this study aims to investigate if higher force production results from better stability and greater ranges of motion (ROM) in the ankle, knee, and hip joints. Ankle, knee, and hip ROM were measured in 17 uninjured collegiate baseball athletes using a manual goniometer. The ROM involved in a counter movement jump (CMJ) was measured, including ankle dorsi/plantarflexion, hip flexion/extension, and knee flexion/extension. The Y Balance Test was used to determine the overall lower-limb stability of each participant. Force production was measured by performing a CMJ on a force plate with the participant's hands placed to the sides to ensure that the upper body could not aid in the jump and perform three CMJs. The Pearson Correlation Test (r) was used to determine the statistical significance and correlation of force production. Results indicated there was no significant positive relationship between force production and ankle dorsiflexion (p = .13, r = .38), ankle plantarflexion (p =.77, r = .07), hip flexion (p = .08, r =.43), hip extension (p = .91, r = .03) nor Y-Balance stability scores (p = .11, r = .39). However, results indicated a significant positive relationship (p = .01, r=.58) between knee flexion and jump force production. The results concluded that the hypothesis was partially accepted due to a positive correlation and statistical significance between knee flexion and force production. As knee flexion increases, the jump force produced increases. The results are valuable to athletic populations, justifying that improved knee flexion may improve athletic performance.

Recommended Citation

Koerner*, Chandler and Hardy, Justine M. (2025) "THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANKLE, KNEE, AND HIP MOBILITY AND LOWER LIMB FORCE PRODUCTION IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL PLAYERS," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 83, No. 1, Article 58.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol83/iss1/58