Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a phase of the countermovement jump?
Which of the following is NOT a phase of the countermovement jump?
Jump height assessment is closely related to power output.
Jump height assessment is closely related to power output.
False
What is the purpose of using force plates in jump tests?
What is the purpose of using force plates in jump tests?
To measure peak and mean force during jumps.
The __________ Utilization Ratio evaluates the effectiveness of jumping mechanics by comparing the eccentric and concentric phases.
The __________ Utilization Ratio evaluates the effectiveness of jumping mechanics by comparing the eccentric and concentric phases.
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Match the following power testing types with their definitions.
Match the following power testing types with their definitions.
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Which variable is NOT typically measured in power testing?
Which variable is NOT typically measured in power testing?
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Accelerometers are used primarily for video analysis in performance assessment.
Accelerometers are used primarily for video analysis in performance assessment.
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Name one common test movement for lower body power testing.
Name one common test movement for lower body power testing.
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The _______ is used to monitor performance and recovery in athletes effectively.
The _______ is used to monitor performance and recovery in athletes effectively.
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What is a key requirement when purchasing measurement technology for power assessment?
What is a key requirement when purchasing measurement technology for power assessment?
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What is the formula used to calculate power?
What is the formula used to calculate power?
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Linear Position Transducers are cost effective when compared to force plates.
Linear Position Transducers are cost effective when compared to force plates.
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What type of acceleration do accelerometers measure?
What type of acceleration do accelerometers measure?
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The formula for force is given by ______.
The formula for force is given by ______.
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Match the following devices with their primary measurement focus:
Match the following devices with their primary measurement focus:
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Which of the following is a method used for measuring velocity?
Which of the following is a method used for measuring velocity?
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Video analysis can provide reliable measures for performance assessment.
Video analysis can provide reliable measures for performance assessment.
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What is the price range of typical accelerometers used for power measurement?
What is the price range of typical accelerometers used for power measurement?
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The equation to calculate jump height using flight time is ______.
The equation to calculate jump height using flight time is ______.
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Which of the following measures velocity using a light pulse system?
Which of the following measures velocity using a light pulse system?
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What is the Reactive Strength Index calculated from?
What is the Reactive Strength Index calculated from?
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High force-low velocity training primarily aims to increase speed of contraction.
High force-low velocity training primarily aims to increase speed of contraction.
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What percentage of 1RM (One Repetition Maximum) is commonly used for training loads in Rugby League?
What percentage of 1RM (One Repetition Maximum) is commonly used for training loads in Rugby League?
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The __________ is sensitive to changes in training and helps direct program design.
The __________ is sensitive to changes in training and helps direct program design.
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Match the measurement techniques with their respective focus:
Match the measurement techniques with their respective focus:
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Which type of training strategy is used to increase maximal strength?
Which type of training strategy is used to increase maximal strength?
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In training strategies, __________ load may need to be lower, typically around 30-45% of 1RM.
In training strategies, __________ load may need to be lower, typically around 30-45% of 1RM.
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Effective reporting of results is only necessary for trained coaches.
Effective reporting of results is only necessary for trained coaches.
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Study Notes
Power Testing Overview
- Power testing measures the ability to generate force quickly or produce rapid muscle contractions.
- There are numerous valid and reliable technologies for power testing and each has unique pros and cons.
- It's important to assess the specific requirements for a power testing program before purchasing equipment.
- Power testing technology often has "multitasking" capabilities - it can be used for testing, training, and monitoring athlete performance.
- Power can be assessed through loaded and unloaded testing.
Types of Power Testing
- SSC (Stretch Shortening Cycle) or Concentric-only Testing: This measures the ability to utilize the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) in power production.
- Eccentric Utilization Ratio: Measures the ability to use eccentric muscle contractions for power development.
- Reactive Strength Index (RSI): Measures the ability to rapidly utilize the elastic energy stored in muscles during a stretch-shortening cycle.
Common Test Movements
-
Lower Body:
- Squat Jump (SQJ)
- Countermovement Jump (CMJ)
-
Upper Body:
- Bench Throw
- Concentric-only Bench Throw
- Sport-Specific Movements: These are specific to the demands of the athlete's particular sport, such as jumping, sprinting, throwing, or hitting.
Countermovement Jump (CMJ)
-
Phases:
- Unweighting
- Braking
- Propulsive Phase
- Flight
- Landing
-
Protocol:
- General warm-up
- Practice jumps
- Self-selected depth
- Hands on hips
Squat Jump (SQJ)
-
Phases:
- Propulsive Phase
- Flight
- Landing
-
Protocol:
- General warm-up
- Practice jumps (often on a force plate)
- Self-selected depth (some variability in the literature)
- Hands on hips
- Small amplitude countermovement (should be used)
Small Amplitude Countermovement
- Can be defined as a 10% unweighting during the jump
- ForceDecks (a type of force plate) define it as >20N of unweighting.
- This indicates that the SSC is contributing to the power output.
CMJ Curves
- CMJ testing can generate a variety of data points:
- Force (Peak and Mean)
- Power (Peak and Mean)
- Velocity (Peak)
- Impulse
- Rate of Force Development
- Jump Height
Reliability of Testing
- Power testing can be sensitive to variations in time of day and day-to-day fluctuations.
- It is crucial to adhere to a consistent testing protocol, and to take these factors into consideration during data interpretation.
Validity and Reliability of Power Testing
- These are vital for understanding the meaningfulness and accuracy of the data obtained from power testing.
- Simple, well understood concepts must be employed for adequate data interpretation.
Measuring Power
- Power is calculated as Force multiplied by Velocity.
- Common methods for measuring power include:
- Force measurement (e.g., Force Plates)
- Distance measurement (e.g., Linear Position Transducers)
- Accelerometers
- Video analysis
- Timing systems
Force Measurement
- Force Plates are used to directly measure the ground reaction force (GRF) applied by an athlete.
- These are often used in research and in field testing.
- They can be expensive, but are very valid and reliable.
- Force plates can be used in combination with other technologies.
Force Measurement to Get Power
- Power is calculated from Force and Velocity: Power = Force x Velocity (P=Fv)
- Force is measured directly with a force plate using the following equation: Force = Mass x Acceleration (F=ma).
-
Velocity is derived from the Impulse/Momentum relationship:
- Impulse = Force x ΔTime.
- Momentum = Mass x ΔVelocity
- Impulse = Momentum
Linear Position Transducers
- Examples include Gymaware and Fittech LPT
- These devices are cost-effective: ~ $2000 vs $20000 for a Force Plate
- They are considered reliable and directly measure displacement.
- They can calculate power and force.
Position Measurement to Get Power
- Power = Force x Velocity (P=Fv)
- Linear Position Transducers (LPT) directly measure Velocity: Velocity = distance / Δ time (v=d/Δt)
- Force is then derived using the following equations:
- Acceleration is calculated from velocity: Acceleration = Δ velocity / Δ time (a=Δv/Δt)
- Mass = system mass (i.e., body mass or body mass + external load)
Accelerometers
- Examples include Push Bands and Myotest.
- These measure "proper acceleration" (related to gravity) as opposed to "coordinate acceleration" (change in velocity over time).
- They are reliable and relatively inexpensive (~$500)
- Can calculate jump height using flight time and proprietary algorithms.
Optical Sensors
- The FLEX device uses a light pulse system to determine velocity.
- It measures velocity using the Time of Flight (ToF) method:
- A laser beam is emitted from the device (e.g., a barbell).
- The beam travels to the ground and reflects back to the device.
- The duration of the trip is used to determine distance travelled and therefore velocity.
Video Analysis/Timing Mats
- Examples include MyJump App, High Speed Cameras, Just Jump System, and OptoJump.
- They are used to calculate flight time and jump height: Jump Height = 9.81 * (flight time) ^ 2 / 8.
- They are a reliable measure of jump height, although technique can influence results.
- Relatively inexpensive (MyJump App = $15)
- Can derive power from jump height.
Vertec for Power
- Vertec can be used to assess CMJ and SQJ power and jump height.
- It can indicate an athlete's ability to utilize the SSC.
- It is sensitive to changes in training and can be useful for guiding program design.
Eccentric Utilization Ratio
- A measure of an athlete's ability to utilize eccentric contractions in power production.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
- A measure of an athlete's ability to utilize the stored elastic energy of muscles during a stretch-shortening cycle, calculated as: Maximal height/ground contact time.
Training to Improve Power
- High Force-Low Velocity Training: Increases maximum strength.
- Low Force-High Velocity Training: Increases the speed of contraction.
-
Load that Maximizes Mechanical Power:
- Strength dependent
- Exercise dependent
- May need to be adjusted based on sport (e.g., Rugby League = ~55% 1RM, Training loads may need to be lower, other studies suggest Pmax at body weight)
Reporting Results
- Consider your audience - athletes, coaches, researchers.
- Use multiple levels of comparison (e.g., pre vs post training, year to year, squad/position, other norms/targets)
- Charts and tables can be effective for displaying and interpreting power testing data.
Types of Power Testing (Specific Examples)
- High Force - Low Velocity: Squat testing (e.g., 1 REP Max)
- Low Force - High Velocity: CMJ testing (e.g., plyometrics)
- Moderate Force - Moderate Velocity: Olympic lifting (e.g., clean & jerk, snatch)
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Description
Explore the essentials of power testing, including its importance in evaluating athletic performance through various methodologies. This quiz highlights the different types of power testing, their applications, and technologies that facilitate effective measurement. Understand how to optimize power assessment for athletes using various tests.
