INTRODUCTION

Gender differences are known to exist between adolescent males and females in the standing broad jump. As early as elementary school age, the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge testing sets separate standards for males and females in the standing broad jump (President's Council, 1964). Performance differences exist in the standing broad jump between 5- and 6-year old males and females (Parizkova, J. and Adamec, A., 1980) (Yoshizawa et al, 1977). Yoshizawa et al (1977) found that boys outperformed the girls in all motor tasks examined, including the standing broad jump. Males were found to outperform females in overhand throwing, muscle strength, and motor performances (Raudsepp, L. and Paasuke, M., 1995). However, females were found to outperform the males in balance and sit and reach (Raudsepp, L. and Paasuke, M., 1995). Previous research has shown that gender differences do exist; however it is unknown when these differences emerge.

In this study, we examined the biomechanics of broad jumps in male and female toddlers to determine if gender differences exist in three year olds. We chose twins because of similarities in genetic makeup and prior experiences. We studied the broad jump since it is a simple task that is easily learned and performed by the three year olds. Strength, power and coordination are all characteristics of the broad jump that may reveal athletic abilities in the subjects. This experiment examines and analyzes what gender differences exist in the standing broad jump between male and female twin toddlers. We predict, based on the literature search, that gender differences will exist, but due to the young age of subjects used, the differences may not be as great if tested in older subjects.