METHODOLOGICAL CONCERNS FOR DETERMINING POWER OUTPUT IN THE JUMP SQUAT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of power measurement techniques during the jump squat (JS) utilizing various combinations of a force plate and linear position transducer (LPT) devices. Nine men with at least 6 months of prior resistance training experience participated in this acute investigation. One repetition maximums (1RM) in the squat were determined, followed by JS testing under 2 loading conditions (30% of 1RM [JS30] and 90% of 1RM [JS90]). Three different techniques were used simultaneously in data collection: (a) 1 linear position transducer (1-LPT); (b) 1 linear position transducer and a force plate (1-LPT + FP); and (c) 2 linear position transducers and a force place (2-LPT + FP). Vertical velocity-, force-, and power-time curves were calculated for each lift using these methodologies and were compared. Peak force and peak power were overestimated by 1-LPT in both JS30 and JS90 compared with 2-LPT + FP and 1-LPT + FP (p ≤ 0.05). Peak power determined by 2-LPT + FP was significantly higher than that determined by 1-LPT + FP under the JS90 loading condition. Peak vertical velocity determined by 2-LPT + FP was significantly lower than that determined by either 1-LPT and 1-LPT + FP in JS90. This investigation indicates that peak power and the timing of power output in the jump squat varies according to the measurement technique utilized. The 1-LPT methodology is not a valid means of determining power output in the jump squat. Furthermore, the 1-LPT + FP method may not accurately represent power output in free weight movements that involve a significant amount of horizontal motion.