Specific-overload characteristics of horizontal jump exercises in comparison to the block start.

The aim of this study was to compare kinetic data at the ankle, knee and hip joint between the block start and three variations of horizontal jump exercises. Eight male sprinters (100 m PB 10.88 ± 0.18 s) performed each exercise whilst external force (1000 Hz) and 3D kinematics (250 Hz) were collected. Internal kinetics at the ankle, knee and hip joint were calculated using inverse dynamics. Key results indicated significantly increased moment and power at the ankle joint in the horizontal jumps compared with the block start, but no differences in power at the knee and hip joint. The present study highlighted specific-overload at the ankle joint but also similarity in the organisation of power across all joints. The information provides coaches and athletes with key biomechanical information to inform exercise selection for physical preparation programmes.