Power Testing: Vertical Hop Test

The Vertical Hop Test measures single-leg vertical power and landing control. It is useful for side-to-side comparison and monitoring lower-limb rehabilitation or performance progress.

Introduction

A two-leg vertical jump can hide side-to-side differences. The Vertical Hop Test helps assess how each limb contributes to vertical power and landing control.

Quick Summary

Test name: Vertical Hop Test
Purpose: Assess single-leg vertical power
What it assesses: Hop height, limb power and landing control
Equipment: Wall, jump mat, force plate or measuring system
Key finding: Single-leg hop height
Best used with: Vertical Jump, Single-Leg Rebound, Anterior Hop and strength testing
Key limitation: Measurement method and arm use affect results

What Is the Vertical Hop Test?

The MAT article describes a vertical jump-style protocol using standing reach and highest touch, with three attempts and best height recorded.   For a single-leg hop version, each limb should be tested separately.

Why It Is Used

It helps assess unilateral vertical power and compare limbs.

What It Measures

It measures single-leg vertical displacement and landing control.

Who It Is Useful For

Athletes, ACL rehabilitation clients, lower-limb rehabilitation clients and jump-sport athletes.

Equipment Required

Wall or jump system
Measurz or MAT
Flat non-slip surface
Optional video

Step-by-Step Protocol

Warm up with progressive jumps.

Set arm use rules.

The client stands on the test leg.

Cue them to hop vertically as high as possible.

They land on the same foot and hold control.

Record height.

Complete three trials per side.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record best height per side and limb symmetry. A difference between sides may suggest reduced unilateral power or confidence, but should be interpreted with other findings.

Normative Data or Reference Values

No universal single-leg vertical hop values should be applied unless matched to the protocol and population.

Reliability and Validity

Reliability depends on equipment, arm use, depth of countermovement, footwear and landing rules.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include inconsistent countermovement depth, using the opposite leg, unstable landing and comparing different equipment methods.

Practical Applications

Use this test to monitor unilateral vertical power and return-to-jump progression.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, height, trial number, equipment, arm rule, pain, landing quality and confidence.

FAQs

What does the Vertical Hop Test measure?

Single-leg vertical power and landing control.

Is it different from the Vertical Jump Test?

Yes. Vertical Hop is unilateral; Vertical Jump is usually bilateral.

Should landing quality be recorded?

Yes.

Key Takeaways

The Vertical Hop Test assesses unilateral vertical power.
Test both sides.
Record height and landing quality.
Use consistent equipment and arm rules.

References

Markovic, G., & Jaric, S. (2007). Is vertical jump height a body size-independent measure of muscle power? Journal of Sports Sciences, 25(12), 1355–1363.

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 for return-to-sport clearance following ACL reconstruction. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(2), 71–77.