Predicting Hexagonal-Bar Jump Takeoff Speed Using Peak Speed from a Linear Position Transducer

ABSTRACT

To evaluate if takeoff speed can be predicted using peak-speed from a linear position transducer (LPT), 21 rowing athletes performed hexagonal-bar jumps in line with the National Team testing protocol. Predictive validity was assessed by comparing peak-speed from a LPT to the criterion measure takeoff speed collected from force plates. The relationship between peak-speed and takeoff speed was: Takeoff Speed = 1.21∙PeakSpeed-0.68, and the correlation was statistically significant (r= 0.990, p < .05). The Bland-Altman plot indicated that the 95% limits of agreement ranged from −0.130 m·s⁻¹ to 0.125 m·s⁻¹, with points above and below the zero line, suggesting there is no systematic bias. The mean difference in speed was 0.18%. This research shows that takeoff speed can be accurately predicted from peak-speed using a LPT. This allows practitioners to quickly and accurately estimate jump height when accessibility and portability of testing equipment are limiting factors in the field.

KEYWORDS:

• Velocity
• jump height
• trap bar
• profiling
• athlete

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Nick Clarke and Sandeep Nandhra for their assistance during the data collection process.