Comparison of Vertical Jump Height Using the Force Platform and the Vertec

Vertical jump height is often being measured in many ways to evaluate the ability of an individual to jump, and to provide an estimation of lower limb muscle power. The various jump tests and apparatus each have their advantages and disadvantages. The main purpose of this study was to compare and explore the relationship between the two more popular test apparatus - the force platform and the Vertec. Sixty-nine university students, 32 females and 37 males between the ages of 20 to 23 (M age 22.01±0.66 years) were recruited to participate in this study. They were required to perform countermovement jumps on the force platform and using the Vertec. Both jump tests were run on the same day, with a 10-minute interval between tests. Results showed that the jump height values obtained from the force platform were significantly lower compared to jumping with the Vertec. The mean jump height for the force platform was 0.36m ±0.094 and for the Vertec was 0.55m ±0.120 respectively. Although the mean jump height differs significantly, both the force platform and Vertec displayed a significant correlation (r=0.826, p<0.01). It was concluded that both devices are suitable to be used to measure jump height because those who obtained a high jump height at the Vertec also obtained a high value of jump height on the force platform. An important difference between both devices was the presence of a target of achievement for the Vertec.