Power Testing: Anterior Hop Test

The Anterior Hop Test is a physical performance test commonly used to assess lower limb muscle power and functional capacity. The Anterior Hop Test primarily assesses the ability of the lower limb muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, to generate power and control during a hopping motion. The test is commonly used in rehabilitation programs for athletes recovering from lower limb injuries, such as ACL injuries, to assess their progress and determine when they are ready to return to sports activities.

Here are the steps to perform the Anterior Hop Test:

1. Begin by placing either the original MAT or the Hop Mat flat on the ground. 
2. The client will then need to set up on one leg alongside the MAT tool, with the other leg lifted off the ground, and the knee flexed at 90 degrees.
3. The client hops forward as far as possible, sticking their landing on the same foot.
4. The distance is measured from the starting point to the heel of the landing foot.
5. The individual repeats the test three times, with a short rest between each trial.
6. The best distance of the three trials is recorded.
7. The test can be repeated on the other leg.

Here are the normative data for the Anterior Hop Test, based on gender and age:

For males:

• Age 10-12: 1.47 meters
• Age 13-15: 1.81 meters
• Age 16-19: 2.08 meters
• Age 20-24: 2.11 meters
• Age 25-29: 2.09 meters
• Age 30-34: 1.98 meters
• Age 35-39: 1.91 meters
• Age 40-44: 1.85 meters
• Age 45-49: 1.80 meters
• Age 50-54: 1.71 meters
• Age 55-59: 1.61 meters
• Age 60-64: 1.49 meters
• Age 65-69: 1.39 meters

For females:

• Age 10-12: 1.35 meters
• Age 13-15: 1.62 meters
• Age 16-19: 1.78 meters
• Age 20-24: 1.75 meters
• Age 25-29: 1.68 meters
• Age 30-34: 1.63 meters
• Age 35-39: 1.58 meters
• Age 40-44: 1.53 meters
• Age 45-49: 1.48 meters
• Age 50-54: 1.41 meters
• Age 55-59: 1.35 meters
• Age 60-64: 1.24 meters
• Age 65-69: 1.16 meters

It's important to note that these values are general guidelines and that individual variations can occur due to factors such as body weight, height, and previous injuries.

References:

1. Barber SD, Noyes FR, Mangine RE, et al. Quantitative assessment of functional limitations in normal and anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1990;255:204-214.
2. Myer GD, Ford KR, Barber Foss KD, et al. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk continuum: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2014;44(4):429-447.
3. Schneiders AG, Sullivan SJ, Gray A, et al. Normative values for hop tests in high school and collegiate basketball and soccer players. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2014;9(5):596-603.
4. Noyes FR, Barber-Westin SD. Anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention training in female athletes: a systematic review of injury reduction and results of athletic performance tests. Sports Health. 2012;4(1):36-46.
5. Schmitt LC, Paterno MV, Hewett TE. The impact of quadriceps femoris strength asymmetry on functional performance at return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42(9):750-759.