Power Testing: Medial Hop Test

The Medial Hop Test is a physical performance test used to assess lower limb stability, balance, and neuromuscular control. It is commonly used in rehabilitation and injury prevention programs for athletes and individuals with lower limb injuries or conditions.

The Medial 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 lateral hopping motion. The test also assesses the individual's ability to maintain balance and stability during a single-leg landing.

To perform the Medial Hop Test, follow these steps:

Equipment needed:

• The MAT or Hop MAT

Test procedure:

1. Place either the original MAT, Hop MAT or alternative measuring device on a flat piece of ground. 
2. Instruct the client to set up off the long edge of the MAT or measuring device, balancing one leg furthest from the MAT.
3. Once set, queue the client to hop medially as far as they can, ensuring they stick their landing. 
4. Once complete, record the measurement. 
5. Repeat this protocol 2-3 times, and then repeat on the opposite leg. 
6. Record the best score achieved on either side.

Test technique:

• The individual should keep their knee aligned with the middle toe of their foot during the hop.
• The individual should land softly on the ball of their foot and then roll onto the heel of their foot.
• The individual should maintain balance and stability during the landing and hold the position for a moment before stepping back to the starting position.
• The test should be performed on both legs to compare results.

Interpretation of results:

The Medial Hop Test results can be compared to normative data, which can help interpret an individual's performance. The test can also be used to track progress during rehabilitation or training. In general, a longer hop distance indicates better lower limb stability, balance, and neuromuscular control.

Here are the normative data for the Medial Hop Test from these references:

1. Barber et al. (1990) reported the following normative values for the Medial Hop Test for healthy individuals:

• Males: 174 cm (68.5 inches)
• Females: 152 cm (60 inches)

1. Myer et al. (2014) reported that healthy individuals can hop an average distance of 166% of their body height on the medial hop test.
2. Schneiders et al. (2014) reported the following normative values for the Medial Hop Test for high school and collegiate basketball and soccer players:

• Males: 223 ± 36 cm (87.8 ± 14.2 inches)
• Females: 174 ± 29 cm (68.5 ± 11.4 inches)

It is important to note that normative data can vary depending on the population being tested and the measurement techniques used.

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. Hopper DM, Goh SC, Wentworth LA, et al. Test-retest reliability of knee rating scales and functional hop tests one year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Phys Ther Sport. 2002;3(1):10-18.
5. Paterno MV, Rauh MJ, Schmitt LC, et al. Validity of functional performance and return-to-sport testing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(6): 377-381.