Evaluation of four vertical jump tests: methodology, reliability, validity, and accuracy (postprint)

Abstract

Vertical jump performance tests can give considerably different results, even when different methods are used to analyze a single jump trial. To evaluate and compare four different methods commonly used to measure vertical jump performance, 52 physically active males each performed five maximal vertical jumps. Kinetic and kinematic data were used to analyze each trial using the four methods: a criterion test based on body center of mass displacement (VJPT); two methods based on vertical take-off velocity as calculated form the force platform (JUMP2 and JUMP3); and one method based on time in the air (JUMPAIR). All four methods showed excellent reliability (R>0.97). Using VJPT as the criterion, the other three methods showed excellent coefficients of validity (R>0.95) but poor accuracy: the vertical jump results were statistically different among all methods (p<0.01). From the discussion, JUMPAIR is considered a relatively simple and inexpensive method to obtain valid and reliable measures of vertical jump performance without an arm swing, provided the appropriate adjustments are made to the jump results.