Vertical jumping power normative-reference values: Utilizing a large cohort of Canadian University students

Abstract Study aim: This study aimed to develop vertical jumping power normative-reference standards based on a large cohort of Canadian university students. Material and methods: Data were collected from a sample of 960 male and female participants, aged 20 to 29 years (mean body mass index [BMI]: 24.44± 3.80). Participants performed the Sargent jump-and-reach test using a wall-mounted vertical jumping height scale, where vertical jump distance (VJD) was determined by subtracting standing reach height from vertical jumping reach height. An independent samples t-test was conducted to compare the means of all variables (i.e., absolute power, relative power, and VJD) and to test for statistical significance between sexes. Results: Data from all variables were higher ( P < 0.05) among male participants, including absolute power (W), relative power (W·kg −1 ), and VJD (m), and statistically significant differences between sexes were noted. Collected data facilitated the creation of sex-specific normative-reference standards including percentile rankings and seven performance classifications. Conclusions: These norms will be instrumental in supporting the convenient and practical evaluation of vertical jumping power performance data and may even reduce the need for other, more exhaustive testing methods (e.g., Wingate Anaerobic Test).