The validity of the Push Band 2.0 to determine speed and power during progressively loaded squat jumps

ABSTARCT

The PUSH band 2.0 is a wearable technology used to measure mean and peak velocity and power in strength-based movements. The agreement between the PUSH band 2.0 and the criterion measure (force plates) during progressively loaded squat jumps was assessed. Fifteen participants performed 3 squat jumps at increasing loads. Linear regression and Bland–Altman plots assessed data simultaneously recorded from both devices. Mean velocity and power showed deviation from the identity line and an overestimation of 7.40% and 25%, respectively. Peak velocity and power showed an overestimation of 14% and underestimation of 6%, respectively. The results support the use of Push Band 2.0 to measure velocity during ballistic squat movements. However, errors in power measurement are greater than acceptable to support in-field use. While peak velocity maintains a consistent overestimation bias across various velocities, mean velocity error increases at higher velocities and can only be considered valid at slow velocities.

KEYWORDS:

• velocity-based training
• IMU
• accelerometer

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).