Accuracy of Three Field-Based Devices for Measuring Counter Movement Jump Performance in Elite Female Volleyball Players.

Abstract

Abstract: Wright, WC, Fedewa, MV, Aguiar, EJ, Winchester, LJ, Schumacker, RE, and Esco, MR. Accuracy of three field-based devices for measuring counter movement jump performance in elite female volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of 3 field-based methods for assessing countermovement jump (CMJ) performance in elite female volleyball players, using force plate (FP) data as the criterion standard. Sixteen collegiate female volleyball players (age = 19.4 ± 1.5 years, height = 176.2 ± 10.6 cm, body mass = 71.5 ± 11.1 kg) performed the CMJ while being simultaneously measured by a jump-and-reach device (JR), linear position transducer (LPT), mobile phone application (APP), and a criterion FP system. CMJ height from the FP (36.16 ± 3.88 cm) was significantly lower than the JR (39.53 ± 5.18 cm, p < 0.01) and LPT (48.23 ± 4.44 cm, p < 0.01) but slightly higher than the APP (35.32 ± 3.75 cm, p < 0.01). In addition, the APP displayed the strongest correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.01) and smallest standard error of estimate (SEE ±0.27 cm) and 95% limits of agreement (±0.57 cm) compared with the other 2 devices. For CMJ, the mean power from the FP (2,243.00 ± 458.03 W) was significantly different from JR (2,615.69 ± 798.03 W, p = 0.02) and APP (1,354.31 ± 241.98 W, p < 0.01), but not the LPT (2,447.08 ± 559.32 W, p = 0.40). Although the correlations for mean power (r = 0.61-0.76) between the field devices and criterion were significant (p < 0.05), the SEE's (range ±310.90 to ±377.09 W) and limits of agreement (range ±655.28 to ±1,064.08 W) were considerably large. Based on the results, the APP seems to provide the most valid CMJ height measures. However, the caution should be used for assessing CMJ mean power with the field tools.