Relationship between leg stiffness and agility in eliteathletes

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between dominant and non-dominant foot/leg stiffness and agility performance according to increasing frame heights in elite athletes aged 18-25 years. A total of 15 elite athletes with mean age (23.87 ± 2.42), mean height (1.81 ± 0.097 m) and mean body weight (75.13 ± 15.93 kg) participated in the study. During the data collection process, Qualisys 3D camera system and force platform (Bertec, FP4060-10, Columbus, USA) were used for movement analysis and leg stiffness was calculated indirectly. Agility test (Pro Agility) time was measured with Fusionsports Smartspeed™ PRO photocell system. JASP and Visual 3D programmes were used to analyse the data. According to the findings, no statistically significant relationship was found between vertical stiffness, jump height, reactive force index, joint stiffness and centre of mass of dominant and non-dominant feet/legs of elite level athletes and agility (p>0.05). In conclusion; vertical stiffness, jump height, reactive force index, joint stiffness and centre of mass are not significantly related to agility. Attention should be paid to the most appropriate stiffness assessment on a team or individual basis.