Vertical jump as a tool in assessment of muscular power and anaerobic performance

Muscular strength and anaerobic power could be assessed by single and multiple vertical jump testing procedures. Anaerobic capacity measured by vertical jump testing is highly correlative with athletic performance, as compared to other anaerobic testing procedures. The most frequently used protocol with contact mat or force platform consists of single jump (i.e. squat jump, drop jump, countermovement jump) and serial jump testing with different duration. Measured variables include jump height and duration along with absolute and relative peak muscular power. Several investigators have clearly shown superior jump performance variables in elite athletes as compared to non-elite subjects. Differences obtained could be due to genetic factors and acute or prolonged efects of training regimen.