Biomechanical and neuromuscular differences between professional and varsity football players during countermovement and approach jumps.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to compare lower-body kinematics, muscle activity, performance, and vertical ground reaction force (GRFz) metrics between professional and varsity Ecuadorian football players during countermovement jumps with arm swing (CMJAS) and approach jumps (AJ). These two jump types were selected because they closely reflect common football-specific movement patterns; CMJAS simulates vertical jumps with arm drive, while AJ mimics explosive jumping after a run-up. Forty athletes (20 professional, 20 varsity; equally distributed by sex) were assessed using synchronized motion capture, force plates, and surface electromyography. Professional males demonstrated greater force production efficiency, defined here as the ability to generate higher concentric average GRFz, higher braking peak

SUBMITTER: Garcia G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12668496 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature