Relation between the standing vertical jump (Abalak test), standing long jump, and squat jump 2 legs 5 jumps (optojump) tests for assessment of the explosive strength of legs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess whether and if there is correlation between the applied tests for explosive strength of legs, so as to provide a recommendation when selecting tests for assessment of the explosive strength of legs. The subject of this research is the explosive strength of legs, tested at 36 examinees, male, age of 18-19 years. Three tests were executed: 1. standing vertical jump (SKOKVIS) – Abalak test , 2. standing long jump (SKOKDAL), 3. squat jump 2 legs 5 jumps – with optojump equipment. The examinees were divided into 3 groups. Each of the groups was randomly distributed in one of the 3 test places. Breaks of 5 minutes per examinee were given between tests. During testing, for the Abalak and standing long jump tests, the examinees have performed 2 attempts, and one attempt for squat jump 2 legs 5 jumps. The jump 2 legs 5 jumps test on optojump equipment was executed with hands on hips. Pearson’s analysis was performed on the results of Abalak, standing jump and heights of optojumpt tests, as well as a multiple regression during which, as predictor variables, the output data were taken of the tests with optojump, for 1-contact time with surface (T.Cont), 2-flight time (T.Flight) and 3-Power as a output from the jumps, and the criteria results of Abalak, standing jump and heights of optojump.

The Pearson’s analysis has shown significant correlation between the results of the Abalaks, standing jump and heights of otpojump tests. Highest correlation (r=0.638, p=0.000) exists between the tests Abalak and standing long jump. Lowest, yet significant, correlation exists between Abalak and the height resulting from the optojump test r=0.466 (p=0.002). In the first multiple regression analysis where height is dependant variable, the entire system of predictor variables contributes to the analysis in a statistically significant manner (R=0.99, p=0.000). In case of a SKOKVIS dependant variable, the system of predictor variables, again, has statistically significant impact in the analysis (R=0,519, p=0.017). In this case, single contribution to significance is attributed to the variable T.Flight (p=0.017). In the third multiple regression for the dependent variable SKOKDAL, the analysis is statistically significant (p=0.007), and, once again, the main (single) variable for significance is T.Flight (p=0.03).

Existence of correlation between the three included tests in this research has shown that, in method-related terms, tests are efficient when assessing the explosive strength of legs. Presumably, it can be recommended that those who shall apply the tests for explosive strength in legs shall have to choose the test they shall systematically apply, so as to show whether there are any changes of this ability following a treatment with exercises. One can conclude that, perhaps the time spent in the flight phase can in some way be used as a predictor on the reached height, during the testing of the standing vertical jump and the standing long jump.