Reliability and Validity of Tests to Assess Lower-Body Muscular Power in Children

J Strength Cond Res. 2015 Aug;29(8):2277-85. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000864.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability and the criterion-related validity of several lower-body muscular power tests (i.e., standing long jump [SLJ], squat jump, countermovement jump, and Abalakov jump) in children aged 6-12 years. Three hundred sixty three healthy children (168 girls) agreed to participate in this study. All the lower-body muscular power tests were performed twice (7 days apart), whereas the 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) leg extension test was performed 2 days after the first session of testing. All the tests showed a high reliability (intertrial difference close to 0 and no significant differences between trials, all p > 0.05). The association between the lower-body muscular power tests and 1 RM leg extension test was high (all p < 0.001). The SLJ and the Abalakov jump tests showed the highest association with 1 RM leg extension test (R = 0.700, test result, weight, height, sex, and age were added in the model). The SLJ test can be a useful tool to assess lower-body muscular power in children when laboratory methods are not feasible because it is practical, time efficient, and low in cost and equipment requirements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Exercise Test / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity
  • Male
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Muscle Strength*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results