Date of Last Revision
2023-05-03 13:14:08
Major
Exercise Science - PrePhysical Therapy
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2019
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare test results between blindfolded and non- blindfolded male and female participants during the vertical jump test. We hypothesized that non-blindfolded participants will score higher than blindfolded participants, and males will have higher test scores than females, though no research currently exists comparing these conditions. The study population consisted of 40 apparently healthy individuals ages 18-45, lacking any physical limitations that prevented them from being able to perform a vertical jump test. Participants were recruited from The University of Akron campus by word of mouth in the classes held in InfoCision Stadium. Each participant was instructed to perform a total of four vertical jump tests: two non-blindfolded and then two blindfolded. We concluded that a blindfolded vertical jump is statistically significant from a standard vertical jump. The average for both male and female vertical jumps decreased once the participant was blindfolded and shows statistical significance, p ≤ 0.001. When comparing only males, blindfolded vs non blindfolded, p ≤ 0.001 and only females blindfolded vs non blindfolded, p ≤ 0.001. Having a visual target for the vertical jump made a significant difference in each participants’ ability to complete the task at a peak level. Whereas, a lack of a visual target consistently yielded lower scores. Males average vertical jump height (non-blindfolded) was 32.5% greater than female vertical jump heights (non-blindfolded).
Research Sponsor
Rachele Kappler
First Reader
Ronald Otterstetter
Second Reader
Laura Richardson
Recommended Citation
Evans, Christian Thomas, "Comparison of Blindfolded vs. Non Blindfolded Vertical Jump Tests" (2019). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 978.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/978