Power Testing: Medial Triple Hop Test

The Medial Triple Hop Test is a clinical test commonly used to assess lower limb function, specifically lateral stability, power, and endurance. The test requires an individual to hop as far as possible in a straight line, landing on the same foot each time. The individual then turns 180 degrees and hops back to the starting point. This is repeated for a total of three consecutive hops in each direction.

Here are the general steps for performing the Medial Triple Hop Test:

Equipment needed: Hop MAT

1. Set up the Hop MAT, original MAT or alternative measuring device along a flat piece of ground. 
2. The client should stand on one leg with their other foot slightly off the ground, and hop medially as far as they can on the same leg, three times. They should land on the same foot and maintain balance for at least 2 seconds at the conclusion of their final hop.
3. The distance hopped is measured from the starting line to the heel of the landing foot on the final hop.
4. Record the distance hopped. Allow the client to repeat this 2-3 times, granting them the best score. 
5. Repeat this same process on the opposite leg. 

Here are some examples of normative data for the Medial Triple Hop Test:

• For healthy college-aged individuals, the average distance hopped is about 4.4 to 4.7 meters for men and 3.7 to 4.2 meters for women. This data is based on a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training in 2014.
• For healthy recreational athletes, the average distance hopped is about 6.03 meters for men and 4.95 meters for women. This data is based on a study published in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy in 2017.
• For individuals with ACL reconstruction, the average distance hopped is about 69% to 85% of the uninvolved leg for the Medial Triple Hop Test. This data is based on a review published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2016.

Note that these are just a few examples of normative data, and there may be variations between studies. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to interpret test results in the context of an individual's specific health status and goals.

References:

1. Noyes, F. R., Barber-Westin, S. D., & Fleckenstein, C. M. (2005). The drop-jump screening test: difference in lower limb control by gender and effect of neuromuscular training in female athletes. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(2), 197-207.
2. Thorborg, K., Petersen, J., & Nielsen, M. B. (2011). et al. Reliability and construct validity of the functional hamstring/quadriceps ratio in healthy youths and those with knee injury. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 519-526.
3. Paterno, M. V., Schmitt, L. C., Ford, K. R., Rauh, M. J., Myer, G. D., Huang, B., & Hewett, T. E. (2010). Biomechanical measures during landing and postural stability predict second anterior cruciate ligament injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and return to sport. The American journal of sports medicine, 38(10), 1968-1978.
4. Reid, A., Birmingham, T. B., Stratford, P. W., Alcock, G. K., & Giffin, J. R. (2007). Hop testing provides a reliable and valid outcome measure during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Physical therapy, 87(3), 337-349.
5. Shaffer, S. W., Harrison, A. L., & Riemann, B. L. (2013). Reliability of the Y balance test in a healthy athletic population. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 27(4), 1014-1018.