Understanding the influences on horizontal jump landing mechanics: A systematic review

Horizontal jumps have been used to assess pathological landing mechanics and as a plyometric conditioning exercise. Investigations have yet to clarify what and how varying jump characteristics influence landing mechanics. A search of Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and SPORTDiscus was conducted. Included articles were original published research articles, which reported 3D kinetic or kinematic measurements on landing, from bilateral horizontal jumps in healthy adult populations. Nine articles met inclusion criteria and demonstrated a satisfactory to low risk of bias. Kinematic and kinetic landing data for bilateral horizontal jumps were extracted and analysed. The addition of a subsequent jump on landing reduced peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF), and addition of a heading task reduced landing hip and knee joint flexion. Greater magnitude jumps increased knee joint flexion. Horizontal jump tasks which restricted arm swing produced less peak vertical GRF. Bilateral horizontal jumps described as having higher peak vertical trajectories appeared to be associated with reduced hip flexion on landing. These findings highlight the importance of considering jump characteristics when designing bilateral horizontal jump tasks. Further research on landing performance following bilateral horizontal jumps is required to strengthen findings and should include measures of flight trajectory.