Explosive strength and dynamic balance as determinants of the single leg hop test: cross-sectional study among young elite female basketball athletes

Abstract

Abstract Objective To analyze the impact of balance, lower-limb explosive strength and anthropometric variables on the result of the hop test in young elite female basketball athletes. Methods Ninety young elite female basketball athletes (13–17 years), without current or recent lower-limb injury, were assessed in the off-season period of July 2021. Single leg hop test, countermovement jump, Y balance test and anthropometric outcomes were assessed. A correlation study and a regression model were performed to investigate the influence of such outcomes and the value of their participation on the hop test results. Results It was found a low-to-moderate correlation effect size for both countermovement jump (distance and power flight) and Y balance test values (except interlimb outcomes) with the single leg hop test results. Anthropometric outcomes did not show significant correlation (p > 0.05). Regression model revealed significant predictive value for countermovement jump outcomes in both right (β = 0.249, p = 0.013; β = 0.301; p = 0.031) and left leg (β = 0.229, p = 0.025; β = 0.365, p = 0.040), as well as certain Y balance outcomes values. Conclusions Among young elite female basket athletes, the explosive strength, measured with the countermovement jump, seems to be a relevant functional component for the results of the single leg hop test. Also, dynamic balance, but with a minor influence. Focusing on the elements that compose the hop test helps to improve the understanding and the design of specific interventions to enhance the test's performance.