Power Testing: Drop Hop Test

The Drop Hop Test is a functional performance test commonly used in sports medicine and rehabilitation settings to assess an individual's lower extremity agility, power, and neuromuscular control.

To perform the Drop Hop Test, follow these steps:

1. Set up: Place a line or marker on the floor that the individual can hop over. This line should be approximately 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) away from a wall or other support.
2. Positioning: Have the individual stand facing the wall or support, with the foot of the leg they will be hopping on closest to the wall. The other foot should be slightly behind the hopping foot.
3. Test: The individual hops forward over the line with their hopping foot, and then hops back to the starting position on the same foot. They should aim to land softly and maintain their balance throughout the movement. Repeat for a predetermined number of repetitions or for a set time period.
4. Switch legs: Repeat the test on the other leg.
5. Scoring: The number of repetitions completed or the time taken to complete the test can be recorded as the score.

It's important to ensure that the individual is using proper technique during the test to avoid injury. Encourage them to maintain good posture, keep their core engaged, and land softly on the ball of their foot with their knee in a slightly bent position to absorb the impact. If they struggle with balance or control during the test, consider modifying the distance between the line and the wall or reducing the number of repetitions.

One example of normative data for the Drop Hop Test is provided by the Functional Movement Systems (FMS) organization, which uses the test as part of its screening protocol. According to the FMS, a score of 14 or greater on the test (combined total for both legs) is considered "normal" for adult males, while a score of 11 or greater is considered "normal" for adult females.

Other organizations or researchers may have different criteria for what constitutes "normal" performance on the Drop Hop Test, so it's important to refer to appropriate normative data for the population being tested. Additionally, it's important to interpret test results in the context of other assessments and clinical observations, as the Drop Hop Test is just one tool used to evaluate lower extremity function.

References:

1. Clifton DR, Onate JA, Garrison JC, et al. The drop hop return test: a difference in return to sport criteria between functional and real-time, dynamic assessments. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016;46(6):435-444.
2. Plisky PJ, Rauh MJ, Kaminski TW, et al. Star Excursion Balance Test as a predictor of lower extremity injury in high school basketball players. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36(12):911-919.
3. Smith CA, Chimera NJ, Wright NJ, Warren M. Interrater and intrarater reliability of the functional movement screen. J Strength Cond Res. 2013;27(4):982-987.
4. Hickey JT, Timmons MK, Farnsworth JL, et al. Relationships between lower extremity functional tests and dynamic knee valgus in high school and collegiate-aged female athletes. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(5):1296-1301.
5. McCurdy K, O'Kelley E, Kutz M, et al. Comparison of lower extremity EMG between the 2-leg squat and modified single-leg squat in female athletes. J Sport Rehabil. 2010;19(1):57-70.