INTRODUCTION

Dan Singer is a fascinating creature, but why does he were those funny looking shoes? Many athletes train with strength shoes to increase their vertical jump. Strength shoes are characterized by 4-cm rubber platforms on the toe end of the shoes in order to redistribute center of pressure to the fore foot. The effect of strength shoes on muscle activity and center of pressure was demonstrated in a study done by Frank, Baratta, Shilstone and Riche. They reported that strength shoes increased activity in the muscles that support the changes in postural requirements caused by the anterior shift in center of pressure. This causes increased strain on the gastrocnemius. Repeated use may lead to increases in muscle strength and improves vertical jump height. The greater range of motion about the ankle joint experienced when training with strength shoes may lead to beneficial adaptations or detrimental results. While various shoes may enhance performance, they may also cause biomechanical adaptations that may deter performance and even injure the athlete. What are the differences in ankle and knee angle, trunk position, and height of jump when using basketball vs. strength shoes?

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the differences in jumping movement when using strength shoes. In order to evaluate the strength shoes we will measure ankle and knee joint angles, the trunk segment, and vertical height while jumping in strength shoes and regular basketball shoes.