The acute effect of gluteal muscle activation program on jump performance in adolescent volleyball players with anterior knee pain

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of gluteal muscle activation program on jump performance in anterior knee pain (AKP). 20 female volleyball players between 14-18 years old who have anterior knee pain were included in the study. Vertical jump height was assessed with Optojump (Microgate, Italy). Hip extension, abduction and external rotation rate of force development and time to peak force were assessed with hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette Instruments). Clam exercise, lateral step, unilateral bridge, hip extension with knee extension and hip extension with knee flexion exercises were included in the gluteal muscle activation program and was chosen from high-level gluteus maximus and medius muscle activation and low-level tensor fascia lata muscle activation according to the EMG studies. One week after taking initial assessments, gluteal muscle activation program was completed, and second assessments conducted immediately after. There was no statistically significant difference in vertical jump height before and after gluteal muscle activation program (p>0.05). There was no difference in hip extension, abduction and external rotation rate of force development and time to peak force (p>0.05). Low intensity gluteal muscle activation program did not change jump performance in adolescent volleyball players with AKP. Long-term and comprehensive studies are needed to investigate the effects of muscle activation programs on jump performance. Key Words: Anterior knee pain, adolescent, volleyball, muscle strength, jump