Reference values of vertical jumping performances and anthropometric characteristics in trained adolescents

Summary Objective The aim of this study was to provide percentile values for vertical jumping performances and anthropometric characteristics for athletic Tunisian children and adolescent. Methods One thousand and fifty-five athletic Tunisian children and adolescents (643 boys and 412 girls) aged 7–18 years were randomly selected to participate in our study. They were asked to perform squat jumps and countermovement jumps. Jump heights and leg power were simultaneously provided by the Optojump device. The anthropometrics variables were measured by a single trained anthropometrist. Descriptive statistics for each-year age group within sex were calculated. Construction of the smoothed centile curves was performed using the polynomial regression models. For each measurement, a least square regression model with high order polynomials was fitted to predict mean and standard deviation of vertical jumping parameters and anthropometric variables. Results Smoothed percentile curves and percentile values for the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles are presented for two sexes. Conclusion Percentiles values of vertical jumping performances and anthropometric characteristics are provided. the new Tunisian reference charts obtained can be used as a screening tool to determine growth disorders. This study may help in verifying the effectiveness of a specific training program and detecting highly talented athletes.