The vertical jump test evaluates the power and strength of the lower body. The test measures the maximum height you can reach by jumping from a standing position and subtracts from that number the maximum height you can reach when standing still. The vertical jump test is used as a tool to evaluate the physical fitness of adults for purposes that might involve employment, sports, fitness training or evaluating the abilities of people with medical conditions or conditions related to aging.
History
Dr. Dudley Sargent, a proponent of physical conditioning, developed the vertical jump test in 1921. Health and fitness professionals continue to use a modified version of the Sargent jump test, which required the use of chalk on the subject's fingers for marking the wall. You perform the test using the chalk method by rubbing chalk on the fingers of your dominant hand and reaching to leave a mark on the wall as high as possible, after which you follow proper form to jump and place a chalk mark as high as possible on the wall.
Purpose
Employers, such as the Indiana State Police, use the vertical jump test in a series of fitness tests to evaluate the ability of job applicants to perform physical job duties that require lower body strength. Tennis coaches use the test to measure and improve the lower body power needed to change directions quickly and powerfully. Your health or fitness professional might use the test to measure your fitness level.
Test Methods
Assessors conduct the vertical jump test using different devices, such as the chalk method, electronic jump pads or the Vertec device. The tester uses the Vertec device to establish the standing maximum height measurement after which the column is raised to a higher position. Vanes along the column record measurement when pushed by the test subject. After you establish your standing height measurement, you assume the proper form, jump and touch the highest vane possible.
Jump Measurements
To accurately measure your best effort, you perform the vertical jump test several times and record your three best scores. The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy standards require students to score a minimum of 13.5 inches. Human Kinetics uses standard vertical jump test ratings for lower body strength of tennis players; ratings are excellent, good, average and needs improvement. An excellent measurement is 21 inches or more for females and 27 inches or more for males. The need improvement rating is less than 12 inches for females and less than 17 inches for males.
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