Validity of Vertical Jump Measurement Systems

This study evaluated the estimated jump height (JH) differences between an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a linear position transducer (LPT), and two force plates (FPs). Thirty-eight student-athletes were recruited to perform vertical jumps that were simultaneously recorded using two dual-axis FPs (criterion measure), an LPT and an IMU. Very large and almost perfect linear relationships were observed between the IMU (r = 0.82) and LPT (r = 0.94) in relation to the FP. However, due to moderate significant JH differences observed for the LPT (+0.06 m; 20%) and IMU (+0.08 m, 28%) in comparison to the FPs, interchangeability is not recommended.

Automated summary

The study found strong linear relationships between the IMU and LPT compared to the FP, but due to moderate significant differences in estimated jump height, interchangeability between the IMU/LPT and FP is not recommended.