Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Event Title
Is the Vertical Jump Test a Valid Test of Power Output?
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Pharmacy, Health Sciences & Exercise Science
Start Date
10-4-2015 11:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2015 12:00 PM
Sponsor
Bryant Stamford (Hanover College)
Description
Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity of the vertical jump (VJ) as a bona fide power output (PO) test. At issues is whether or not the VJ is a pure indicator of PO, or if results are influenced by familiarity and skill acquisition.
Methods: A total of 8 females participated as subjects, 3 females were considered skilled jumpers and 5 subjects were considered unskilled (naïve) jumpers. The Vertec was used to record vertical jump score. The 3 skilled jumpers performed 3 practice sessions on the Vertec with no instruction while the 5 unskilled jumpers participated in 3 practice sessions along with coaching sessions that included coaching and instruction. Each subject performed 3 jumps in each session. The best vertical jump score was recorded, as well as the mean of the three attempts. The coaching sessions involved instruction and feedback on the countermovement jump technique. The length of the session and number of trials was determined by improvement in VJ score, and sessions were concluded when a plateau occurred (no further improvement was noted).
Results and Discussion: Data collection is on going. Pilot data and preliminary findings indicate that practice sessions can increase the VJ score in the unskilled. This would mean the VJ test is not a valid test for PO.
Is the Vertical Jump Test a Valid Test of Power Output?
Indianapolis, IN
Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity of the vertical jump (VJ) as a bona fide power output (PO) test. At issues is whether or not the VJ is a pure indicator of PO, or if results are influenced by familiarity and skill acquisition.
Methods: A total of 8 females participated as subjects, 3 females were considered skilled jumpers and 5 subjects were considered unskilled (naïve) jumpers. The Vertec was used to record vertical jump score. The 3 skilled jumpers performed 3 practice sessions on the Vertec with no instruction while the 5 unskilled jumpers participated in 3 practice sessions along with coaching sessions that included coaching and instruction. Each subject performed 3 jumps in each session. The best vertical jump score was recorded, as well as the mean of the three attempts. The coaching sessions involved instruction and feedback on the countermovement jump technique. The length of the session and number of trials was determined by improvement in VJ score, and sessions were concluded when a plateau occurred (no further improvement was noted).
Results and Discussion: Data collection is on going. Pilot data and preliminary findings indicate that practice sessions can increase the VJ score in the unskilled. This would mean the VJ test is not a valid test for PO.