Correlation of power tests -- vertical jump, Margaria Power Test, and Cybex Leg Power Test

Abstract

Three tests of power were conducted with 19 female athletes (18-22 yr.) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (N = 14 volleyball, N = 5 basketball). The vertical jump (VJ), Margaria power test (MPT) and the Cybex leg power test (CLPT) were completed over the 3pday period during the week immediately following each respective athlete season. A Pearson Product-Moment correlation coefficient was used to determine if any significant positive correlations (p < .05) existed between the 3 power tests, and if the speed of the CLPT made any significant difference. All correlations for the study were statistically significant except two. The highest correlation between the 3 power tests was with the functional tests -- VJ and MPT (r = .827). The CLPT speed of 180 degrees/sec had a higher correlation to the functional power tests than did the CLPT speed of 300 degrees/sec. Body weight of the subject appeared to be closely related to power output in the functional power tests. In the clinical test (CLPT) where body weight was not a factor, there was little relationship of body weight to power output. It was concluded that while all 3 tests produce valid measurements of power output, the test selected should closely resemble the purpose testing (ie., functional power test or clinical test).