Power Testing: Single Leg Rebound Test

The Single Leg Rebound Test assesses lower-limb power, rebound ability and landing control. It is useful for monitoring unilateral explosive performance and side-to-side differences.

Introduction

A client may hop well from a still position but struggle to absorb and rebound after a preparatory hop. The Single Leg Rebound Test helps assess this elastic, reactive quality.

Quick Summary

Test name: Single Leg Rebound Test
Purpose: Assess unilateral rebound power and landing control
What it assesses: Hop over marker, rebound distance and final landing stability
Equipment: Marker or hurdle, MAT or Hop MAT
Key finding: Longest rebound distance
Best used with: Drop Hop, Vertical Hop, Anterior Hop, strength testing
Key limitation: Requires good single-leg landing capacity

What Is the Single Leg Rebound Test?

The MAT article describes standing on one leg, hopping over a marker or cone, then performing a longer hop and sticking the landing. The longest distance is recorded.  

Why It Is Used

It assesses unilateral rebound ability, power and control after a preparatory hop.

What It Measures

It measures distance and landing control during a rebound-style single-leg task.

Who It Is Useful For

Athletes, soccer players, field sport athletes, ACL rehabilitation clients and lower-limb rehabilitation clients.

Equipment Required

Marker or hurdle
MAT, Hop MAT or measuring tool
Flat non-slip surface
Measurz or MAT
Optional video

Step-by-Step Protocol

Set up the marker and measuring tool.

The client stands on one leg with hands on hips if required.

They hop over the marker, then immediately perform a longer hop.

They land on the same foot and hold balance.

Measure distance.

Repeat for the selected number of trials.

Test both legs.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record longest distance and landing quality. Greater distance with stable landing suggests better rebound performance. Compare sides cautiously.

Normative Data or Reference Values

The MAT article cites single-leg rebound literature and normative data sources, but no universal value applies across all clients.  

Reliability and Validity

Reliability depends on marker height, rebound instructions, measurement rules and landing criteria.

Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include inconsistent marker height, pausing between hops, unstable landing and measuring inconsistently.

Practical Applications

Use it to monitor rebound capacity, side-to-side performance and late-stage plyometric progression.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, marker height, distance, trial number, pain, landing quality, confidence and errors.

FAQs

What does the Single Leg Rebound Test measure?

Unilateral rebound power and landing control.

Should both legs be tested?

Yes, when safe.

Is it suitable early after injury?

Usually no. It is a higher-demand task.

Key Takeaways

The Single Leg Rebound Test assesses reactive single-leg power.
Marker setup must be standardised.
Record landing quality.
Use with other hop and strength tests.

References

Arazi, H., & Asadi, A. (2020). Normative data of the single leg rebound jump test for healthy active adults. Research in Sports Medicine, 28(2), 237–246.

Schilaty, N. D., Bates, N. A., Krych, A. J., & Hewett, T. E. (2020). Utility of a single-leg vertical jump as a functional performance measure after ACL reconstruction. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(2), 71–77.