Power Testing: Medial Triple Hop Test

The Medial Triple Hop Test assesses repeated single-leg hopping toward the midline. It measures frontal-plane power, dynamic balance and landing control across three consecutive hops.

Introduction

A client may perform well in forward power tests but lose control when moving medially. The Medial Triple Hop Test challenges repeated power and control in the frontal plane.

Quick Summary

Test name: Medial Triple Hop Test
Purpose: Assess repeated medial hop performance
What it assesses: Frontal-plane power, balance and landing control
Equipment: MAT, Hop MAT or measuring surface
Key finding: Total distance after three medial hops
Best used with: Medial Hop, Lateral Hop, Triple Hop and Crossover Hop
Key limitation: No universal norms; landing quality is essential

What Is the Medial Triple Hop Test?

The Medial Triple Hop Test is a three-hop variation performed medially on one leg. The MAT page identifies it as a Power Testing hop assessment.  

Why It Is Used

It is used to assess repeated force production and control toward the midline, relevant for cutting, landing and change-of-direction tasks.

What It Measures

It measures cumulative medial hop distance and ability to control repeated frontal-plane landings.

Who It Is Useful For

Field and court sport athletes, ACL rehabilitation clients, ankle rehabilitation clients and clients returning to lateral or pivoting sport.

Equipment Required

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

Step-by-Step Protocol

Warm up with low-level lateral and medial hops.

The client stands on the test leg beside the measuring surface.

They perform three consecutive medial hops on the same leg.

They hold the final landing for 1–2 seconds.

Measure total distance to the landing heel or chosen landmark.

Repeat for three trials per side.

Record best or average distance consistently.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record total distance and landing quality. Compare limbs where appropriate. Poor landing control, pain or large asymmetry should be interpreted with strength, balance and symptom findings.

Normative Data or Reference Values

No high-quality universal normative value was found for this exact protocol. Use baseline and side-to-side comparison.

Reliability and Validity

Reliability depends on consistent direction, measurement landmark, trial count, surface, footwear and landing rules.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include drifting forward instead of medially, pausing between hops, losing balance and measuring inconsistently.

Practical Applications

Use this test to monitor frontal-plane repeated hop power, return-to-cutting progress and side-to-side control.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, total distance, direction, trial number, pain, landing quality, balance loss and compensation notes.

FAQs

What does it measure?

Repeated medial single-leg hop distance and control.

Is it the same as the Triple Hop Test?

No. The standard Triple Hop is usually forward; this version is medial.

Should landing quality be recorded?

Yes. Distance without control can be misleading.

Key Takeaways

The Medial Triple Hop Test assesses repeated frontal-plane control.
Record distance and landing quality.
Use consistent direction and setup.
Compare sides cautiously.

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. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(10), 649–656.