The lumbo-pelvic-hip complex is an important structure of the human body. Its function of balancing the bodyhas been pointed out in many studies. While its motor function has rarely been investigated, especially duringexplosive movements involving a global extension of the whole body. Thus, the purpose of this work was to evaluatethe role of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex during squat jumping. To this end, an experimental approach (kinematics,kinetics and electromyographic) as well as a simulation model of the musculoskeletal system have been used to analyzethe squat jump in the sagittal plan. The results show, firstly that studies which do not take into consideration the lumbopelvic-hip complex, lead to an overestimation of the mechanical work attributed to the hip joint during maximal squatjumps performed arms akimbo or with an arm swing. Secondly, the extension of the lumbar spine enabled by theerector spinae activation contributes to achieve a maximal vertical jump height. This result confirms the assumptionsabout the motor function of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and the erector spinae. Moreover, the contribution of thismuscle is increased when its maximal strength is enhanced and when the trunk is initially flexed. In conclusion, itseems relevant to take into consideration the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex when maximal squat jumping is studied. Thiswould also contribute to new training perspectives in order to improve maximal vertical jump height.
