Test Interpretation- WheelerJump
Learn what each test means and how to interpret them with this comprehensive guide.
On this section, you will learn how to explain the test and interpret it to you athlete/patient
If you would like to schedule a free demo, you can email us at contac@wheelersportstech.com
Individual Jumps
Neuromuscular Profile
Drop Jump Test – Optimal Height for Reactivity
Plyometric Hurdle Height Test
Post-Competition Fatigue – Neuromuscular Fatigue
Training Fatigue – Acute Load Evaluation
Lateral Deficit – Legs Functional Asymmetry Test
Sprint Repetition Test (RSA)
Individual Jumps
a. Squat Jump (SJ) – Jump from Squat Position
The Squat Jump is a test that estimates the explosive concentric capacity of the leg muscles in a vertical jump starting from a static squat position, without a prior countermovement phase.
This type of jump is directly related to the athlete’s acceleration capacity, especially in the first 5 to 10 meters of a sprint, making it a good indicator of initial sprint performance.
Reference values:
|
Jump Height (in-cm) |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 11.8-30 |
Poor concentric explosive capacity |
|
11.8-30 to 13.7-35 |
Good concentric explosive capacity |
|
Greater than 13.7-35 |
Excellent concentric explosive capacity |
b. Countermovement Jump (CMJ)
The CMJ evaluates the eccentric capacity of the leg muscles. Unlike the Squat Jump, it includes a quick downward phase that utilizes the stretch-shortening cycle, providing a more complete measurement of elastic-muscular performance.
The CMJ result is closely related to an athlete’s ability to decelerate and change direction, key skills in team sports like soccer and sports that require a change of direction.
Reference values:
|
Jump Height (in-cm) |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 13.7-35 |
Poor eccentric capacity |
|
13.7-35 to 15.7-40 |
Good eccentric capacity |
|
Greater than 15.7-40 |
Excellent eccentric capacity |
c. Abalakov Jump (ABK) – With Arm Swing
The ABK, like the CMJ, evaluates the eccentric capacity of the legs but allows free use of the arms, measuring upper-body contribution to vertical jump performance.
It reflects jump performance in real game scenarios where arm coordination enhances jump height. Especially relevant for sports like volleyball, basketball, and tennis.
Reference values:
|
Jump Height |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 15.7-40 |
Poor eccentric capacity + arm coordination |
|
15.7-40 to 17.7-45 |
Good eccentric capacity + arm coordination |
|
Greater than 17.7- 45 |
Excellent eccentric capacity + arm coordination |
d. Reactive Jumps – Reactive Strength Index (RSI)
This test estimates leg reactivity through consecutive vertical jumps. It reflects how efficiently the neuromuscular system uses the stretch-shortening cycle with minimal ground contact.
Highly correlated with sprint efficiency due to the need for rapid force application after contact.
RSI reference values:
|
RSI (Reactive Strength Index) |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 1.5 |
Poor reactivity |
|
1.5 – 2.5 |
Good reactivity |
|
Greater than 2.5 |
Excellent reactivity |
e. CMJ with 20kg Olympic Bar – Power Monitoring
This CMJ variation uses a 45 lbs (20kg) bar to monitor power output with a constant external load.
It allows precise tracking of neuromuscular performance across a week or microcycle and is valuable for identifying fatigue or performance improvements.
Consistent use aids in training decisions, especially when declining power indicates fatigue or overtraining.
f. Upper Body Jump Test (MS) – Explosive Push-Up
The MS test evaluates upper-body elastic-explosive capacity using a ballistic push-up where both hands leave the ground.
There are no standard reference tables, but they are useful for qualitative and comparative assessment, especially with technology (platforms, accelerometers).
Relevant for sports requiring explosive upper-body actions, like:
- Boxing
- Judo
- Basketball
- Handball, etc.1
Neuromuscular Profile
An integrated tool to assess acceleration, deceleration, change of direction, and sprint efficiency.
Based on three jumps:
- Squat Jump (SJ): Acceleration
- CMJ: Deceleration
- Reactive Jumps (RSI): Sprint efficiency
Reference Table:
|
Level |
Squat Jump (in- cm) |
CMJ (in- cm) |
RSI |
|
Poor |
< 9.8-25 |
< 11.8-30 |
< 1.5 |
|
Good |
9.8-25 to 11.8-30 |
11.8-30 to 35 |
1.5–2.0 |
|
Excellent |
> 13.7-35 |
> 15.7-40 |
> 2.5 |
Elasticity Index (EI) – Acceleration vs Deceleration
This index measures the balance between concentric (acceleration) and eccentric (deceleration) capacities by comparing CMJ and SJ results.
Interpretation Table:
|
Elasticity Index |
Interpretation |
|
< 10% |
Eccentric deficiency (weak braking ability) |
|
10 – 15% |
Balanced profile |
|
> 15% |
Concentric deficiency (weak push-off) |
RSI reference values:
|
RSI (Reactive Strength Index) |
Interpretation |
|
Less than 1.5 |
Poor reactivity |
|
1.5 – 2.5 |
Good reactivity |
|
Greater than 2.5 |
Excellent reactivity |
Drop Jump Test – Optimal Height for Reactivity
This test identifies the ideal box height for maximizing RSI during drop jumps.
Procedure:
- Athlete performs controlled drop jumps from progressively increasing heights (e.g., 7, 11, 15, 20 in).
- Jump height and ground contact time are recorded.
- RSI is calculated for each height.
- The height with the highest RSI is the optimal training height.
Goal: Maximize neuromuscular reactivity for efficient plyometric training.
Plyometric Hurdle Height Test
Performed via continuous reactive jumps.
At the end, the test will suggest the ideal hurdle height for plyometric drills, crucial for training prescription.
Post-Competition Fatigue – Neuromuscular Fatigue
Performed on the first training day after a competition using reactive continuous jumps.
Key Metric: Percent drop in performance.
- If drop > 15%, it indicates high neuromuscular fatigue, and training should be adjusted for recovery.
Training Fatigue – Acute Load Evaluation
Two CMJs are performed:
- At the beginning of the session
- At the end of the session
If post-training CMJ height drops by >15%, it suggests high fatigue, which may be:
- Mechanical
- Neuromuscular
- Metabolic
- Hormonal
Use this to adjust subsequent training loads.
Lateral Deficit – Legs Functional Asymmetry Test
Identifies performance differences between the right and left legs in single-leg jumps.
Procedure:
- Perform unipodal versions of:
- SJ (right & left)
- CMJ (right & left)
- RSI (right & left)
- Compare to detect concentric, eccentric, or reactive asymmetries.
Helps design targeted corrective training.
Sprint Repetition Test (RSA)
Measures the athlete’s ability to repeat high-intensity sprints with incomplete recovery—vital in sports like soccer.
Procedure:
- Place the contact sensor on the floor.
- Define the sprint distance (e.g., 20 + 20 yards).
- The athlete performs repeated sprints, touching the sensor each time.
- The device logs the speed of each rep.
Significant drop in speed = low tolerance to intermittent effort or fatigue.
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