Power Testing: Medial Hop Test

The Medial Hop Test assesses single-leg power and control while hopping toward the midline. It is useful for monitoring lateral-plane lower-limb function and side-to-side differences.

Introduction

Many injuries and sport tasks challenge the body in the frontal plane. A forward hop may look strong, but a medial hop can reveal different control demands. The Medial Hop Test helps assess how well a client produces and controls force when hopping inward.

Quick Summary

Test name: Medial Hop Test
Purpose: Assess medial single-leg hop distance and control
What it assesses: Frontal-plane power, landing stability and limb control
Equipment: MAT, Hop MAT or marked measuring surface
Key finding: Medial hop distance
Best used with: Lateral Hop, Anterior Hop, Triple Hop and balance testing
Key limitation: Not diagnostic and strongly influenced by landing control

What Is the Medial Hop Test?

The Medial Hop Test is a single-leg hop performed sideways toward the body’s midline. The current MAT page identifies it as a Power Testing article for lower-limb hop performance.  

Why It Is Used

It helps assess frontal-plane power and control, which may be relevant for sport tasks involving cutting, landing, sidestepping and re-acceleration.

What It Measures

It measures distance hopped medially and the ability to land on the same foot with control. It does not isolate hip, knee or ankle strength and does not diagnose injury.

Who It Is Useful For

Field and court sport athletes, lower-limb rehabilitation clients, ACL or ankle rehabilitation clients and clients returning to lateral movement.

Equipment Required

MAT, Hop MAT or tape measure
Flat non-slip surface
Measurz or MAT
Optional video

Step-by-Step Protocol

Warm up with progressive single-leg hops.

The client stands on the test leg beside the measuring line or MAT.

The opposite foot remains off the ground.

Cue the client to hop medially as far as possible and land on the same foot.

The client holds the landing for 1–2 seconds.

Measure from the starting position to the landing heel or agreed landmark.

Complete three valid trials per side and record the best or average score consistently.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record distance and landing quality. Compare limbs where appropriate. A shorter distance, unstable landing or pain may suggest reduced frontal-plane capacity, but should be interpreted alongside strength, balance and symptom findings.

Normative Data or Reference Values

No high-quality universal normative value should be applied across all populations. Use baseline, side-to-side comparison and sport-specific demands.

Reliability and Validity

Single-leg hop tests can be reliable when standardised. Reliability depends on consistent direction, arm use, footwear, surface, trial number and measurement landmark.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include unclear medial direction, inconsistent foot placement, loss of balance, measuring from inconsistent landmarks and comparing medial hop distance directly with anterior hop distance.

Practical Applications

Use the Medial Hop Test to monitor lateral-plane power, identify side-to-side differences and support return-to-cutting progressions.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, direction, distance, trial number, best or average score, pain, landing quality, trunk/knee control and confidence.

FAQs

What does the Medial Hop Test measure?

It measures single-leg hop distance and control toward the body’s midline.

Should it be compared with the Lateral Hop Test?

Yes, when relevant, but record each direction separately.

What makes a trial invalid?

Loss of balance, opposite foot contact, uncontrolled landing or unclear measurement.

Key Takeaways

The Medial Hop Test assesses frontal-plane single-leg hop control.
Measure distance and landing quality.
Use consistent direction and setup.
Interpret with other strength and power tests.

References

Bolgla, L. A., & Keskula, D. R. (1997). Reliability of lower extremity functional performance tests. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 26(3), 138–142.

Hegedus, E. J., McDonough, S., Bleakley, C., Cook, C. E., & Baxter, G. D. (2015). Clinician-friendly lower extremity physical performance tests in athletes: A systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(10), 649–656.