This study deals with the assessment of leg strength by sergeant jump test and squats test & its correlation with leg measurements and energy intake among young girls and boys undergoing regular basketball training (age: 10-15 yrs, n=400). Players were selected from leading basketball training clubs of Nagpur city, Maharashtra. Foot width, foot length, thigh circumference, calf circumference & ankle circumference were measured using a measuring tape. Leg strength of basketballers was evaluated by means of fitness tests such as sergeant jump test and squats test. Energy intake data was collected by 24 hour’s dietary recall method for consecutive three days. For the present study, both null hypothesis (H0) & non directional alternative hypothesis (H1) were formulated. The difference was tested at both 0.01 & 0.05 levels of significance. Correlations were derived using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation. Basketballers possessed significantly wider & longer feet than standards for age & gender. Effect of age on three leg circumferences (thigh, calf & ankle) was found to be strong, with older girls & boys showed significantly (p<0.01) larger mean thigh, calf & ankle circumference than younger girls & boys. Although basketballers were regular in their daily meal timings, they failed to meet the daily requirements of energy intake. Older basketballers surpassed the younger basketballers with respect to the mean vertical distance jumped. All groups of basketballers were rated excellent for their mean performance of squats test. Leg anthropometry correlated positively with vertical jump & squats test performance of basketballers. Regular basketball training at young age should be coupled with recommended intake of energy to ensure leg strength.

1. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance
of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
*Rupal Agrawal1, Prajakta Nande2
1Ph.D. Scholar (M.Sc. in Food Science & Nutrition), Department of Home Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur
University, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Educational Campus, Amravati Road, Nagpur (Maharashtra), INDIA- 440033.
2Assistant Professor in Food Science & Nutrition (M.Sc., Ph.D. in Food Science & Nutrition), Department of Home Science,
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Educational Campus, Amravati Road, Nagpur
(Maharashtra), INDIA-440033.
This study deals with the assessment of leg strength by sergeant jump test and squats test & its
correlation with leg measurements and energy intake among young girls and boys undergoing
regular basketball training (age: 10-15 yrs, n=400). Players were selected from leading basketball
training clubs of Nagpur city, Maharashtra. Foot width, foot length, thigh circumference, calf
circumference & ankle circumference were measured using a measuring tape. Leg strength of
basketballers was evaluated by means of fitness tests such as sergeant jump test and squats
test. Energy intake data was collected by 24 hour’s dietary recall method for consecutive three
days. For the present study, both null hypothesis (H0) & non directional alternative hypothesis
(H1) were formulated. The difference was tested at both 0.01 & 0.05 levels of significance.
Correlations were derived using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation.
Basketballers possessed significantly wider & longer feet than standards for age & gender. Effect
of age on three leg circumferences (thigh, calf & ankle) was found to be strong, with older girls &
boys showed significantly (p<0.01) larger mean thigh, calf & ankle circumference than younger
girls & boys. Although basketballers were regular in their daily meal timings, they failed to meet
the daily requirements of energy intake. Older basketballers surpassed the younger basketballers
with respect to the mean vertical distance jumped. All groups of basketballers were rated
excellent for their mean performance of squats test. Leg anthropometry correlated positively with
vertical jump & squats test performance of basketballers. Regular basketball training at young
age should be coupled with recommended intake of energy to ensure leg strength.
Keywords: basketballers, energy intake, leg strength, squats test, vertical jump test.
INTRODUCTION
In the game of basketball, foot length and foot width of the
basketballers play an important role in the success of the
game. But unfortunately, it has been less studied
measurement in the field of entire sports. The foot can be
considered to have two primary functions: stance and
propulsion. During these functions it must be able to adapt
to varying loads and surfaces, and its structure reflects this
(Sherman, 1999). Feet are a complex system of muscles,
bones and ligaments that act as springs, levers, pivots and
launching pads in basketball. By their unique structure,
feet simultaneously support the weight, balance and
propel the player and safely absorb the shocks of their
motion (https://www.exploratorium.edu/sports/remarkable
feets/ index.html). When the elemental role of feet in
human motion is considered, it's not surprising that even
such small variations in their structure affect sports
performance. After all, footwork forms the foundation of
most sports (http://www.exploratorium.edu/sports/
remarkable_feets/). Like all skeletal muscles, the
musculature that surrounds the feet and ankles are
designed not only for movement but also for force
absorption (https://www.stack.com/a/the-importance-of-
foot-and-ankle-workouts).
*Corresponding Author: Rupal Agrawal; Department of
Home Science, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur
University, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Educational Campus,
Amravati Road, Nagpur (Maharashtra), INDIA- 440033.
E-mail: rupsagrawal@gmail.com
Research Article
Vol. 5(1), pp. 083-090, March, 2020. © www.premierpublishers.org. ISSN: 2362-7271
International Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences

2. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Agrawal and Nande 084
Greater muscular strength particularly thigh muscle
strength can enhance the ability to perform general sport
skills such as jumping, sprinting and change of direction
tasks. In sport fields, in order to achieve success in the
game, besides certain very important parameters such as
endurance, flexibility and speed, athletes need to develop
a high level of muscular strength that is considered to be
in close relation with the leg measurements & nutritional
intake. The lower body girth muscles play an important role
in jumping and kicking. Therefore, these muscles are in
close relation with the performance of athletes (Suchomel
et al., 2016; Dervisevic and Hadzic, 2012).
The maximum jump height achieved by sports persons,
which is an indicator of leg muscular power, can provide
key information about their functional capacity and
performance in many sports. In fact, vertical jumping is
considered an essential motor skill in a range of team
sports, including basketball. The vertical jump can be and
is frequently used as a measuring tool to assess the ability
to display power, explosive strength and the ability to use
leg strength (Rodriguez-Rosell et al., 2017;
http://www.higher-faster-sports.com/importanceofvertical
jump.html). One of the best indicators of lower-body and
core strength is the squat test. This king of exercises is a
great way to assess the strength and flexibility of all
athletes (Nande and Vali, 2010).
Currently, no study has investigated the relationship
between leg anthropometry, energy intake and leg
strength among young female & male Indian basketball
players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to
investigate the relationships between anthropometric
measurements of leg, leg strength with respect to vertical
jump & squats tests & energy intake among young girls
and boys undergoing regular basketball training.
METHODOLOGY
Selection of Sample
The study was conducted in Nagpur city, Maharashtra,
India. A total of four hundred (100 girls and 100 boys each
from age groups of 10 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years)
young, healthy & injury free female & male basketball
players who were engaged in regular practice &
participating in competitive events/tournaments from
leading basketball training clubs & institutes of Nagpur
were purposively selected as sample population for this
research. Data was gathered using a questionnaire-cum-
interview schedule. Consent was taken from parents and
coaches. Table 1 shows age wise classification of
subjects.
Table 1. Classification of subjects
Sr.
No.
Age Group
(years)
Subjects (N = 400)
Girls (n = 200) Boys (n = 200)
1 10 - 12 100 100
2 13 - 15 100 100
Anthropometric Measurements
Foot width, foot length, thigh circumference, calf
circumference & ankle circumference of basketballers
were measured on the right side of the body using non
stretchable plastic tape. The subjects had a standard
bilateral symmetry. Comparisons of measurements were
done with reference standards for gender & age [CDC
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)-National
Health Statistics Reports- Vital and Health Statistics, 2008,
2009, 2012; McDowell et al., 2008; Snyder et al., 1975 and
1977; Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 1972,
1984].
Nutrient Intake
Food intake of each basketballer was recorded using 24
hour’s three days dietary recall method. On the basis of
this, energy intake was calculated using food composition
tables (Gopalan et al., 2012). Adequacy of energy intake
by basketballers was done by comparing the intake with
recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) [National
Institute of Nutrition (NIN)/Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR), 2009].
Sergeant Jump Test
Scoring of the sergeant jump test, also known as the
vertical jump test was made by measuring the distance
between the players standing reach, which was the
highest point their hand could reach while they were
standing up straight, against the highest point their hand
reaches when they jumped (Nande and Vali, 2010).
Squats Test
While standing in front of a chair, facing away from it, with
their feet shoulders width apart, subjects were asked to
squat down and lightly touch in the chair with their back
side before standing back up and keep doing that until they
were fatigued. Numbers of squats completed by subjects
in 30 seconds were recorded (Nande and Vali, 2010).
Statistical Analysis
Data was tabulated & grouped for statistical analysis.
Statistical analysis of data was done using formulas in MS-
Excel. Mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum &
percentage values were derived. Within & between group
comparisons were done using z test. Correlations were
derived using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of
correlation. The differences were tested at both 0.01 &
0.05 levels of significance.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
Leg Anthropometry
Anthropometric measurements are useful in determination
of body dimensions, physical fitness & nutritional status.
Table 2 shows data on leg anthropometry of players.

3. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Int. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 085
Table 2: Data on leg anthropometry of basketballers
Sr.
No.
Parameters GIRLS BOYS
Age Group
10-12 Yrs
(n=100)
Age Group
13-15 Yrs
(n=100)
z
Values
¶
Age Group
10-12 Yrs
(n=100)
Age Group
13-15 Yrs
(n=100)
z
Values
¶
1 Foot Width (cm)
i M±SD 9.35±0.69 9.93±0.72 5.82* 9.73±0.97 10.19±0.86 3.60*
ii Range 7.50-11.50 8.50-12.50 8.00-12.00 8.50-13.00
iii Standard 7.63 8.83 7.77 9.47
iv % Excess +22.54 +12.46 +25.23 +7.60
v z Values# 24.90* 15.32* 20.15* 8.38*
2 Foot Length (cm)
i M±SD 23.14±1.35 24.11±1.09 5.57* 22.95±1.50 25.16±1.67
9.84*ii Range 19.50-26.50 21.00-26.50 19.50-27.50 22.00-31.00
iii Standard 20.93 23.30 21.36 24.60
iv % Excess +10.56 +3.48 +7.44 +2.28
v z Values# 16.39* 7.40* 10.59* 3.35*
3 Thigh Circumference (cm)
i M±SD 42.29±5.66 47.46±4.67 7.05* 40.22±5.87 42.24±4.94 2.63*
ii Range 28.00-65.00 37.00-59.50 25.00-54.50 31.50-54.00
iii Standard 45.10 49.03 44.10 49.53
iv % Deficit -6.23 -3.20 -8.80 -14.72
v z Values# 4.97* 3.36* 6.61* 14.76*
4 Calf Circumference (cm)
i M±SD 28.29±3.28 30.89±2.70 6.12* 27.67±3.55 30.25±3.30 5.32*
ii Range 22.00-42.50 23.00-41.50 17.50-36.50 25.00-41.00
iii Standard 32.83 35.60 31.83 36.03
iv % Deficit -13.83 -13.23 -13.07 -16.04
v z Values# 13.87* 17.45* 11.70* 17.53*
5 Ankle Circumference (cm)
i M±SD 19.43±1.93 20.67±2.05 4.40* 19.41±2.41 20.45±1.99 3.34*
ii Range 16.00-25.00 17.50-33.00 11.00-27.00 17.00-27.00
iii Standard 18.07 20.63 18.37 20.80
iv % Deficit/Excess +7.53 +0.19 +5.66 -1.69
v z Values# 7.04* 0.19 4.30* 1.77
¶ - z values are for between group comparison (i.e. comparison between age groups 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs); # - z
values are for comparison between data of subjects & standards; * - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01);
** - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant
difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).
In running sports like basketball, feet are the springs and
levers that cushion and propel the player. In basketball,
they're launching pads for leaps. From Table 2, it is noted
that the mean values of foot width were recorded as
9.35±0.69 cm, 9.93±0.72 cm, 9.73±0.97 cm & 10.19±0.86
cm and the mean values of foot length were recorded as
23.14±1.35 cm, 24.11±1.09 cm, 22.95±1.50 cm &
25.16±1.67 cm, respectively for girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls
aged 13-15 yrs boys aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15
yrs. Mean values for both the foot parameters increased
with the age in basketballers. Difference of 4.00 cm, 4.00
cm, 4.00 cm & 4.50 cm was noted between the highest &
lowest values for foot width of girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls
aged 13-15 yrs boys aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15
yrs, respectively whereas a difference of 7.00 cm, 5.5 cm,
8.00 cm & 14.00 cm was noted between the highest &
lowest values for foot width of girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls
aged 13-15 yrs boys aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15
yrs, respectively. More variability was noted for individual
readings of foot length among basketballers.
High significant differences were observed for all the four
groups of basketballers in comparison to the standards for
foot width (z=8.38 to 24.90, p<0.01) as well as for foot
length (z=3.35 to 16.39, p<0.01). Younger girls and boys
had higher values of differences for both the
measurements against the standards. All four age groups
of basketballers possessed significantly wider & longer
feet than standards for age & gender, with % excess
ranged as 7.60 to 24.90 (for foot width) & 2.28 to 16.39 (for
foot length) (Table 2).
The measurement of the circumference of the thigh & calf
is intended as a measure of the underlying musculature
and adipose tissues. In this study, the mean values
computed were 42.29±5.66 cm, 47.46±4.67cm, 40.22±

4. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Agrawal and Nande 086
5.87cm & 42.24±4.94 cm for thigh circumference;
28.29±3.28 cm, 30.89±2.70 cm, 27.67±3.55 cm &
30.25±3.30 cm for calf circumference and 19.43±1.93 cm,
20.67±2.05 cm, 19.41±2.41 cm & 20.45±1.99 cm for ankle
circumference in girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls aged 13-15 yrs,
boys aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15 yrs, respectively.
Among girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls aged 13-15 yrs, boys
aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15 yrs, the range for thigh
circumference was noted as 28.00-65.00 cm, 37.00-59.50
cm, 25.00-54.50 cm & 31.50-54.00 cm respectively
whereas the range for calf circumference was noted as
16.00-25.00 cm, 17.50-33.00 cm, 11.00-27.00 cm & 17.00-
27.00 cm respectively as noted from Table 2.
Kilinc and Turna (2018) recorded mean thigh & calf
circumference in male basketball (n=15; 15.5 ±0.74 years)
as 50.20±5.29 cm & 34.96±3.25 cm, respectively which
were quite higher than the present research’s findings.
Recorded mean±standard deviation, minimum and
maximum values of calf circumference by Jakovljevic et al.
(2011) in 14 years old Serbian elite male basketball
players were 35.21±2.67 cm, 30.50 cm and 43.00 cm,
respectively whereas the values were 51.17±4.05 cm,
44.00 cm and 61.00 cm, respectively for thigh
circumference.
For the present study, a gap of 37 cm, 22 cm, 29.5 cm &
22.5 cm was noted between the highest & lowest values
of thigh circumference for girls (10-12 yrs), girls (13-15
yrs), boys (10-12 yrs) & boys (13-15 yrs), respectively.
These differences denote the fat and/or musculature
variations among basketballers for the thigh region.
Similarly, there found wide variations for individual
readings of calf circumference for girls aged 10-12 yrs,
girls aged 13-15 yrs, boys aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-
15 yrs, with a difference of 20.5 cm, 18.5 cm, 19.0 cm &
16.0 cm was noted between the highest & lowest values,
respectively (Table 2). In a study conducted by Gaurav et
al. (2010), calf circumference was significantly (p<0.05)
higher for basketball players when compared to volleyball
players from age group 18-25 years selected from different
colleges affiliated to Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar,
Punjab, India.
Ankle girth denotes the size of bones, fat & muscle mass
in the region. With the exception of the group of older boys,
rests of the three groups i.e. girls aged 10-12 yrs & boys
aged 10-12 yrs showed significantly higher mean ankle
circumference than standards [(z=7.04 (p<0.01), z=0.19
(p>0.05) & z=4.30 (p<0.01), respectively] & the % excess
were calculated as 7.53, 0.19 & 5.66, respectively. Studies
on ankle circumference of players engaged in basketball
or any other games are not done exclusively.
For this research, effect of age on these three leg
circumferences i. e. thigh, calf & ankle was found to be
strong, with older girls & boys showed significantly
(p<0.01) larger mean thigh, calf & ankle circumference
than younger girls & boys, respectively [z=7.05 & 2.63,
z=6.12 & 5.32 & z=4.40 & 3.34, respectively for girls (10-
12 yrs) vs. girls (13-15 yrs) and boys (10-12 yrs) vs. boys
(13-15 yrs), respectively, Table 2].
Energy Intake
Body measurements are influenced by nutritional intake.
Total energy intake is important to counteract weight loss
during the season, the source of the calories is critical to
provide the muscle with the right type of fuel. Table 3
presents data on daily intake of energy by basketballers.
Table 3: Data on daily intake of energy by basketballers
Sr.
No.
Parameters GIRLS BOYS
Age Group
10-12 Yrs
(n=100)
Age Group
13-15 Yrs
(n=100)
z Values¶ Age Group
10-12 Yrs
(n=100)
Age Group
13-15 Yrs
(n=100)
z Values¶
1 Energy (kcal)
i M±SD 1865±282 2242±204 10.88* 2181±159 2479±183 12.27*
ii Range 1280-2359 1521-2714 1792-2557 2000-2806
iii RDA 2010 2330 2190 2750
iv % Deficit -7.24 -3.76 -0.41 -9.87
v z Values# 5.17* 4.31* 0.57 14.80*
¶ - z values are for between group comparison (i.e. comparison between age groups 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs); # - z values
are for comparison between data of subjects & RDAs; * - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); ** - Significant at
5 % level but insignificant at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both
5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).
Irrespective of the age and gender, all the groups of
players had lower mean daily intake of energy than RDAs
(1865±282 kcal, 2242±204 kcal, 2181±159 kcal &
2479±183 kcal in girls from 10-12 yrs, 13-15 yrs age
groups and boys from 10-12 yrs, 13-15 yrs age groups,
respectively). The computed z values were 5.17 (p<0.01),
4.31 (p<0.01), 0.57 (p>0.05) & 14.80 (p<0.01) respectively
for girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls aged 13-15 yrs, boys aged
10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15 yrs with % deficits calculated
as 7.24, 3.76, 0.41 & 9.87, respectively. Deficit intake of
energy can lead to compromised work capacity.

5. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Int. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 087
Considering the high level of physical activity which results
in daily caloric deficiency, many researchers reported
deficient energy intake by young players engaged in
various sports disciplines (Santos et al., 2016; Nande et
al., 2008; Cabral et al., 2006; Cupisti et al., 2000).
A difference of 377 kcal was noted between younger &
older groups of female basketballers whereas this
difference was 298 kcal between younger & older groups
of male basketballers. Older group of female players
consumed significantly higher amounts of energy than
younger group of female players (z=10.88, p<0.01).
Similarly, older group of male players consumed
significantly higher amounts of energy than younger group
of male players (z=12.27, p<0.01).
Sergeant Jump Test
The main goal of the sergeant jump test is to measure how
high an athlete can jump which is based on their explosive
lower limb power. Results of sergeant jump test for
basketballers are presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Data on sergeant jump test of basketballers
Sr.
No.
SUBJECTS PARAMETERS Distance Jumped (cm) z
Values¶Age Group
10-12 Yrs (n=100)
Age Group
13-15 Yrs (n=100)
1 G I R L S Mean±SD 23.21±5.45 25.81±6.33 3.12*
Range 10.00-36.00 13.00-49.50
Performance Assessment Based on Mean Below Average Below Average
2 B O Y S Mean±SD 24.28±6.42 26.57±5.97 2.62*
Range 8.50±46.00 14.00-39.00
Performance Assessment Based on Mean Below Average Below Average
z Values■ 0.42 0.74 -
¶ - z values are for between group comparison (i.e. comparison between age groups 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs); ■ - z values
are for between gender comparison (i.e. comparison between girls & boys from age group 10-12 yrs & between girls &
boys from age group 13-15 yrs); * - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); ** - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant
at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).
Older basketballers surpassed the younger basketballers
with respect to the mean vertical distance jumped (z=3.12
for comparison between girls aged 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs
and z=2.62 for comparison between boys aged 10-12 yrs
& 13-15 yrs) which clearly show the positive effect of
longer duration of engagement in sports training. Younger
& older male basketballers jumped longer mean vertical
distance than younger & older female basketballers,
respectively, however, the differences were insignificant
(z=0.42 & 0.74, respectively, p>0.05). Similar to the results
of this study, Greene et al. (1998) revealed sex differences
in performance for sergeant jump test & found that male
high school basketball players were able to jump
significantly higher than the female high school basketball
players.
Vertical jump test is used to monitor the athlete’s bilateral
(two legged) explosive power by measuring how high they
can jump & the mean values for this test were noted as
23.21±5.45 cm, 25.81±6.33 cm, 24.28±6.42 cm and
26.57±5.97 cm in girls aged 10-12 yrs, girls aged 13-15
yrs, boys aged 10-12 yrs & boys aged 13-15 yrs,
respectively. The distance jumped by players were
recorded as high as 49.50 & 46.00 cm in girls & boys,
respectively and it was recorded as short as 10.00 & 8.50
cm in girls & boys, respectively (Table 4). Lidor and Ziv
(2010) observed variations in the results of vertical jump
performances which were from 22 to 48 cm in female
basketball players and from 40 to 75 cm in male basketball
players. Abdelkrim et al. (2010) compared the physical
attributes of elite men basketball players according to age
and observed that under-20 and senior players were faster
and had better sergeant jump test (p<0.05) performance
than under-18 players. For this research, the results of
sergeant jump test showed ‘below average’ performance
based on means in both the genders from 10-12 yrs and
13-15 yrs age groups.
Squats Test
The purpose of the squats test is to determine the strength
of the lower body muscles, specifically the quads,
hamstrings and glutes. Table 5 represents the data on
squats test performed by basketballers.
It can be seen from the mean values of players that male
basketballers (147.23±71.54 & 151.58±79.52 seconds in
10-12 & 13-15 yrs age group, respectively) carried out the
squats test for longer duration of time as compared to their
female counterparts (133.11±67.86 & 130.17±71.24
seconds in 10-12 & 13-15 yrs age group, respectively)
which show good strength of the lower body muscles
among boys. The difference between girls aged 10-12 yrs
& boys aged 10-12 yrs for the performance assessment for
squats test was found to be insignificant at both 5% & 1%
levels (z=1.43, p>0.05) whereas the difference between
girls aged 13-15 yrs & boys aged 13-15 yrs was significant
at 5% level but insignificant at 1% level (z=2.01,
0.01<p<0.05). All the four groups of basketballers were
rated ‘excellent’ for their mean performance of squats test.

6. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Agrawal and Nande 088
Table 5: Data on squats test of basketballers
Sr.
No.
SUBJECTS PARAMETERS Time Taken (Seconds) z Values¶
Age Group
10-12 Yrs (n=100)
Age Group
13-15 Yrs (n=100)
1 G I R L S Mean±SD 133.11±67.86 130.17±71.24 0.30
Range 47.00-507.50 30.00-414.00
Performance Assessment Based on Mean Excellent Excellent
2 B O Y S Mean±SD 147.23±71.54 151.58±79.52 0.41
Range 35.00-376.50 53.00-420.50
Performance Assessment Based on Mean Excellent Excellent
z Values■ 1.43 2.01** -
¶ - z values are for between group comparison (i.e. comparison between age groups 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs); ■ - z values
are for between gender comparison (i.e. comparison between girls & boys from age group 10-12 yrs & between girls &
boys from age group 13-15 yrs); * - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); ** - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant
at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).
Correlates of Sergeant Jump Test Performance & Squats Test Performance
Table 6 presents data on correlates of sergeant jump test performance & squats test performance.
Table 6: Correlates of sergeant jump test & squats test performance
Sr.
No.
PARAMETERS Correlation Coefficient Values (r)
GIRLS BOYS
Age Group
10-12 Yrs
Age Group
13-15 Yrs
Age Group
10-12 Yrs
Age Group
13-15 Yrs
I Correlates of Sergeant Jump Test Performance
1 Sergeant Jump Test Performance vs. Foot Width 0.0001 0.1008 0.1134 0.0012
2 Sergeant Jump Test Performance vs. Foot Length 0.0022 0.1181 0.2607* 0.0839
3 Sergeant Jump Test Performance vs. Thigh Circumference -0.0800 -0.0246 0.1528 0.0476
4 Sergeant Jump Test Performance vs. Calf Circumference -0.0025 -0.0370 0.0851 0.0412
5 Sergeant Jump Test Performance vs. Ankle Circumference -0.0773 -0.1320 -0.0120 -0.0384
6 Sergeant Jump Test Performance vs. Energy Intake 0.0755 0.0333 0.0141 0.1151
II Correlates of Squats Test Performance
1 Squats Test Performance vs. Foot Width 0.2354** 0.0606 0.1286 0.1890
2 Squats Test Performance vs. Foot Length 0.2353** 0.0246 0.1178 0.0626
3 Squats Test Performance vs. Thigh Circumference -0.0726 -0.1508 -0.0303 -0.1824
4 Squats Test Performance vs. Calf Circumference -0.1683 -0.1457 -0.0344 -0.1861
5 Squats Test Performance vs. Ankle Circumference 0.2054** 0.0347 -0.0245 -0.0957
8 Squats Test Performance vs. Energy Intake -0.1185 -0.1151 -0.0221 -0.0159
9 Squats Test Performance vs. Sergeant Jump Test Performance 0.0113 0.1562 0.2211** 0.0050
* - Significant at both 5 % and 1% levels (p<0.01)
** - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05)
Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05)
Both vertical jump & squats test performance (r=0.0001,
p>0.05 to 0.2354, p<0.01) had positive correlation with foot
width among all four age groups of basketballers.
Similarly, sergeant jump test performance (r=0.0022 to
0.2607, p>0.05) and squats test performance (r=0.0246 to
0.2353, p>0.05) depicted positive correlation with foot
length in all four age groups of players (Table 6). These
correlations demonstrate that feet act as spring and
launching pads that propel the player forward and thus,
form the foundation of these test performances.
Sergeant jump test performance in girls aged 10-12 yrs &
13-15 yrs (r= -0.0800 & -0.0246, respectively, p>0.05) and
squats test performance among all the age groups (r= -
0.0303 to -0.1508, p>0.05) were found to have insignificant
and negative correlation with thigh circumference which
indicate that rounder thighs reflected the performances
negatively. Correlation of sergeant jump test performance
with calf circumference was observed to be negative in
girls from 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs age group (r= -0.0025 & -
0.0370, respectively, p>0.05) and positive among boys
from 10-12 yrs & 13-15 yrs age group (r=0.0851 & 0.0412,
respectively, p>0.05) whereas squats test performance (r=
-0.0344 to -0.1861, p>0.05) demonstrated inverse
correlation with calf circumference among all groups of
basketballers. Sergeant jump test performance (r= -0.0120
to -0.1320, p>0.05) had insignificant & negative
correlations with ankle circumference in players but
positive correlations were observed between squats test
performance and ankle circumference in younger girls &
boys (r=0.2054 & 0.0347, respectively, p>0.05) indicating
that better balance, jumping & landing with strong ankles
is positively associated with athletic performance.

7. Correlation of Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake
Int. J. Food Nutr. Sci. 089
Among female & male basketballers aged 10-12 yrs & 13-
15 yrs, sergeant jump test performance (r=0.0141 to
0.1151, p>0.05) reflected positive correlation with energy
intake indicating the importance of sufficient energy intake
to sustain physical activities in sport. In girls from 10-12 yrs
age group, girls from 13-15 yrs age group, boys from 10-
12 yrs age group & boys from 13-15 yrs age group, squats
test performance (r= -0.1185, -0.1151, -0.0221 & -0.0159,
p>0.05, respectively) showed negative correlations with
energy intake, clearly reflecting that increase in energy
intake negatively affected lower body strength in
basketballers.
CONCLUSION
Age wise increment in leg anthropometry was seen among
basketballers. Body circumferences are important
indicators of fatness &/or muscle development. Effect of
age was very prominent as circumferences of
basketballers like thigh, calf & ankle showed increment
with age. The mean energy intake of female & male
basketballers was found to be deficient which could
hamper the overall performance. Effect of longer duration
of sports training was clearly seen as older groups of
female & male basketballers jumped significantly longer
vertical distance than younger groups of female & male
basketballers. Older players showed strong lower-body
explosive power & strong leg muscle endurance than
younger groups, which clearly depicted effect of longer
duration of basketball practice & training. Leg
measurements correlated directly with vertical jump
performance & squats test performance of basketballers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to thank the coaches of the basketball clubs
& institutions for giving us permission to conduct our study.
We would also like to thank all the participating
basketballers for their help & cooperation.
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Accepted 5 March 2020
Citation: Agrawal R, Nande P (2020). Correlation of
Sergeant Jump & Squats Tests Performance of
Basketballers with Leg Anthropometry and Energy Intake.
International Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences. 5(1):
083-090.
Copyright: © 2020. Agrawal and Nande. This is an open-
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