Effect of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Occlusal State on Flight Time of Straight Jumps in Trampoline Competition

Author(s): Mutsumi Takahashi, Yogetsu Bando, Takuya Fukui.

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of skeletal muscle mass and occlusal state on flight time of straight jumps in the trampoline competition. Participants were 11 elite-level trampoline male athletes (18.9 ± 0.9 years). A body composition analyzer was used to measure skeletal muscle mass, the left–right difference in the muscle mass of the lower extremities and ratio of trunk muscle mass to whole-body muscle mass were calculated. A pressure-sensitive film was used to measure the occlusal state, and the left-right difference in occlusal force was obtained. The trial consisted of 10 consecutive straight jumps, and the flight time was measured. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between flight time and the left–right difference in lower-extremity muscle mass, the ratio of trunk muscle mass to whole-body muscle mass, and the left–right difference in occlusal force. Significant negative correlation was observed between the flight time and the left-right difference in lower extremity muscle mass or occlusal force. Significant and strong positive correlation was observed between flight time and the ratio of trunk muscle mass to whole-body muscle mass. The results of this study suggest that the flight time of straight jumps in the trampoline competition is influenced by the balance of skeletal muscle mass and occlusal state. Therefore, the stability of the trunk supported by well-balanced posture muscles on the left and right sides as well as appropriate occlusal contact should contribute to improvements in flight time.