The vertical jump height is commonly employed to assess indirectly the lower body strength and power. Traditional methods to assess the vertical jump height are been replaced by new emerging technologies as optical mat platform. The aim of the present study was checked the agreement between one traditional contact mat (Globus Ergo Tester) and an optical mat (Optojump System), and to investigate the interchangeability of this 2 commercial systems estimating vertical jump in different types of jump (Squat Jump, Counter Movement Jump and Abalakov). Significantly differences between methods in each jump condition were reported, high Inter-class Correlation Coefficients values (ranged between 0.972 to 0.990) were found between methods in each jump condition and the coefficient of variation values were ranged from 6.18 to 7.32. T-test revealed significantly differences between the limits of agreement at 95% in all jumps between methods jump heights. The results of this study show that the Optojump, as optical mat, reported lower values than the Globus Ergo Tester, a contact mat. There are evidences that Optojump and Globus Ergo Tester are not interchangeably.

Resumen

La altura de salto vertical es empleada para evaluar la potencia y fuerza del tren inferior. Los métodos tradicionales para evaluar el salto vertical están siendo sustituidos por nuevas tecnologías emergentes como las plataformas ópticas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comprobar el grado de concordancia entre una plataforma de contacto (Globus Ergo Tester) y una óptica (Optojump System), e investigar si pueden ser utilizadas de manera intercambiable estimando distintos tipos de salto vertical (Squat Jump, Counter Movement Jump y Abalakov). Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas entre los métodos estimando altura de salto vertical, un elevado valor de Coeficiente de Correlación (entre 0.972-0.990) y un Coeficiente de Variación comprendido entre 6.18 y 7.32. Las pruebas T revelaron diferencias significativas entre los límites de concordancia al 95% en todos los saltos entre plataformas. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran como el sistema óptico, Optojump, estimó valores más bajos que la plataforma por contacto, Globus Ergo Tester. Existen evidencias por tanto que estos sistemas no pueden ser utilizados intercambiablemente.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5232/ricyde2014.03603

--------------------------------------------------------------------

References/referencias

Atkinson, G.; Davison, R. C., & Nevill, A. M. (2005). Performance characteristics of gas analysis systems: what we know and what we need to know. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 1, S2-10.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-830505

Atkinson, G., & Nevill, A. M. (1998). Statistical methods for assessing measurement error (reliability) in variables relevant to sports medicine. Sports Medicine, 26(4), 217-238.
http://dx.doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199826040-00002

Bosco, C., & Komi, P. V. (1980). Influence of aging on the mechanical behavior of leg extensor muscles. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 45(2-3), 209-219.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00421329

Bosco, C.; Luhtanen, P., & Komi, P. V. (1983). A simple method for measurement of mechanical power in jumping. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 50(2), 273-282.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00422166

Bosquet, L.; Berryman, N., & Dupuy, O. (2009). A comparison of 2 optical timing systems designed to measure flight time and contact time during jumping and hopping. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research, 23(9), 2660-2665. 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181b1f4ff

Eather, N.; Morgan, P. J., & Lubans, D. R. (2012). Improving the fitness and physical activity levels of primary school children: Results of the Fit-4-Fun group randomized controlled trial. Preventive Medicine, 56(1), 12-19.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.10.019

Garcia-Lopez, J.; Morante, J. C.; Ogueta-Alday, A., & Rodriguez-Marroyo, J. A. (2012). The type of mat (contact vs. photocell) affects vertical jump height estimated from flight time. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research, 27(4):1162-1167.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31826520d7

Glatthorn, J. F.; Gouge, S.; Nussbaumer, S.; Stauffacher, S.; Impellizzeri, F. M., & Maffiuletti, N. A. (2011). Validity and reliability of Optojump photoelectric cells for estimating vertical jump height. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research, 25(2), 556-560.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181ccb18d

Muehlbauer, T.; Besemer, C.; Wehrle, A.; Gollhofer, A., & Granacher, U. (2012). Relationship between Strength, Power and Balance Performance in Seniors. Gerontology, 58(6), 504-512.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000341614

Nuzzo, J. L.; Anning, J. H., & Scharfenberg, J. M. (2011). The reliability of three devices used for measuring vertical jump height. Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research, 25(9), 2580-2590.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181fee650

Riddiford-Harland, D. L.; Steele, J. R., & Baur, L. A. (2006). Upper and lower limb functionality: are these compromised in obese children? International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, 1(1), 42-49.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17477160600586606