Evaluate explosive lower limb power through maximal vertical jump height measurement.
Vertical Jump Test (Sargent Jump Test)
Test Objective
To evaluate the explosive power of the lower limbs, particularly during vertical jumps.
Required Equipment
- A smooth wall (or a wall-mounted jump board graduated in height).
- Chalk or a marker (or an electronic sensor if available).
- Measuring tape (if the wall is not graduated).
- An assistant to record the measurements.
Test Protocol
- The subject stands sideways next to a wall, with feet flat on the floor.
- They raise the arm closest to the wall and mark (with chalk or a marker) the maximum height reached without jumping (referred to as the standing reach height).
- From this exact position, the subject performs a maximal vertical jump, using the momentum of the arms and legs.
- They attempt to mark the wall at the apex of the jump (referred to as the jumping reach height).
- Vertical Jump Score = jumping reach height - standing reach height (in cm).
Evaluation
- Repeat the test 2 to 3 times and record the best performance.
- The higher the jump, the greater the explosive muscular power of the legs.
- It is possible to calculate the power output (W) using formulas such as the Johnson & Bahamonde formula: Power (W) = [60.7 × jump height (cm)] + [45.3 × body weight (kg)] - 2055
Variations
- Countermovement Jump (CMJ): Performed with arm swing momentum.
- Squat Jump: Performed from a static squatting position, without arm swing momentum.
- Electronic testing: Using a jump platform (force plate) or an optical measurement device (highly accurate).
Recommendations
- Targeted warm-up: Include light jumps, squats, and dynamic stretching.
- Ensure the jumping surface is non-slip.
- Always conduct the test under the exact same conditions (shoes, wall, method) for reliable comparisons.