Lower Body Power Tester for DHS Students
Wilbur Tong and Chris Whittaker
A vertical jump tester can be used by student athletes to assess their leg strength for running, jumping, and generating power during movements.
A Vertical Jump Measurement Tool is the best way to evaluate jump reach and lower body explosive power. It is used by almost all the professional and college sports teams including the NFL Scouting Combine. Furthermore, it is considered the Gold Standard in vertical jump measurement in kinesiology. The equipment has a steel frame construction with horizontal vanes which are rotated out of the way by the hand to indicate the height reached. Each vane is in 1/2" increments, and the height of the vanes is adjustable from 6' to 12' to test elite athletes as well as beginners. Overall, it is safe, durable, easy to use, and will provide accurate measurements.
The mechanical work performed to accomplish a vertical jump can be determined by using the jump height distance that was measured (using Work = Force x Distance where Force = Mass x Acceleration). In addition, with the force plate equipment already purchased by the DHS science department, power can be calculated (Power = Work / time) since the time that force is acted on the body can be measured.
As described above, a Vertical Jump Tester provides an authentic application of physical skills with scientific principles. For a class such as IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science, this equipment will allow students to test scientific concepts through a real experience by collecting and analyzing data in order to reach a conclusion. For Physical Education (PE) classes, a vertical jump tester would allow students to track their training progress, providing critical feedback on their lower body strength and power. Furthermore, this equipment is relevant to and could be applied to physics, anatomy, as well as math classes if so desired.