ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2017 June;176(6):315-21

DOI: 10.23736/S0393-3660.16.03378-7

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Comparison between single and combined data collection methods in loaded squat jump power output

Daniele A. CARDINALE ^{1, 2}, Marco CARDINALE ³, Johnny E. NILSSON ^{1, 4} ✉

¹ The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden; ² Swedish Sports Confederation, Lidingö, Sweden; ³ Aspire Academy, Doha, Qatar; ⁴ University of Dalarna, Falun, Sweden

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare linear position transducer force plate-based methods and more complex combinations of those for calculation of power output in loaded squat jump.
METHODS: Eight methods were used simultaneously in data collection: vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), ground reaction forces (GRF), 1 linear position transducer (1LPT), 1LPT and VGRF (1LPT+VGRF), 2 linear position transducers (2LPTs), 2LPTs and VGRF (2LPTs+VGRF), 5 linear position transducers (5LPTs), 5LPTs and GRF (5LPTs+GRF). Power output was calculated for each lift according to the sensor or sensors used and the results were compared.
RESULTS: Power output calculated separately with LPTs and GRF method did not differ significantly from combined methods such as 1LPT+VGRF, 2LPTs+VGRF. No significant differences were found when comparing power output between 5LPTs+GRF and combined methods such as 2LPTs+VGRF.
CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that test methodology with a simple single linear position transducer setup and or force platform suffice when recording vertical jump such as loaded squat jump.

KEY WORDS: Plyometric exercise - Muscle strength - Resistance training - Athletic performance