Power Testing: Triple Hop Test

The Triple Hop Test is a physical performance test used to assess an individual's lower limb strength, power, and balance. The test involves a series of three consecutive hops on the same leg, as far as possible, while maintaining proper form and balance.

Here are the steps to perform the Triple Hop Test:

Equipment needed:

• Hop MAT

Procedure:

1. Place either the MAT, Hop MAT or alternative measuring tool on a flat piece of floor.
2. The client will need to stand on one leg behind the predetermined starting point.
3. The client will then need to hop forward three times, as far as possible, landing on the same foot, and holding the final landing position for 1-2 seconds.
4. The distance hopped on the third attempt is measured from the starting point to the heel of the test foot on landing.
5. The test is repeated three times, and the best distance hopped is recorded.
6. Once completed on one leg, repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.

The test is typically performed on each leg, and the individual is given a brief rest period between trials to avoid fatigue. The test can be performed with or without shoes, depending on the preference of the tester and the individual being tested. It is important to ensure that the individual maintains proper form and balance during the test, and that the landing is stable and controlled to avoid injury.

Here are some normative data for the Triple Hop Test:

Age group: 20-29 years (men and women)

• Average distance hopped (in cm): 761.9
• Standard deviation: 126.3

Age group: 30-39 years (men and women)

• Average distance hopped (in cm): 729.7
• Standard deviation: 118.5

Age group: 40-49 years (men and women)

• Average distance hopped (in cm): 661.4
• Standard deviation: 103.8

Age group: 50-59 years (men and women)

• Average distance hopped (in cm): 572.7
• Standard deviation: 84.7

Note: These values are based on a study by Munro et al. (2012) that included 327 healthy adults (165 men and 162 women) aged 20-59 years. However, it is important to note that normative values may vary depending on the population being tested and the specific testing protocols used.

References:

1. Munro AG, Herrington LC, Carolan M. Reliability of 2-dimensional video assessment of frontal-plane dynamic knee valgus during common athletic screening tasks. J Sport Rehabil. 2012;21(1):7-11. doi: 10.1123/jsr.21.1.7
2. Bolgla LA, Keskula DR. Reliability of lower extremity functional performance tests. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1997;26(3):138-142. doi: 10.2519/jospt.1997.26.3.138
3. Hegedus EJ, McDonough S, Bleakley C, Cook CE, Baxter GD. Clinician-friendly lower extremity physical performance tests in athletes: a systematic review of measurement properties and correlation with injury, part 2. The tests for the hip, thigh, foot and ankle including the star excursion balance test. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(10):649-656. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-094094