Vertical Jumping and Leg Power Normative Data For Colombian Schoolchildren Aged 9-17.9 Years: The Fuprecol Study

PURPOSE: The Vertical Jump Test became of the most convenient tests used to evaluate anaerobic capacity and the effectiveness of anaerobic training programs for a variety of power sports. However, its use and interpretation as an evaluative measurement into physical activity tests are limited because there are few published reference values derived for children and adolescents. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to generate normative vertical jump height and predicted peak power (Ppeak) data for 10- to 17.9-year-olds and to investigate between-sex and age group differences in these measures.

METHODS: The sample comprised 7614 healthy Colombian schoolchildren [boys n=3258 and girls n=4356, mean (standard deviation) age 12.8 (2.3) years old]. Each participant performed two countermovement jumps, and jump height was calculated using a Takei 5414 Jump-DF Digital Vertical®, Japan. The highest jump was used for analysis and in the calculation of predicted Ppeak. Centile smoothed curves, percentile and tables for the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th percentile were calculated using Cole’s LMS method.

RESULTS: The one-way ANOVA tests showed that maximum jump height (cm) and predicted Ppeak (W) was higher in boys than in girls (p<.01). Post hoc analyses within sexes showed yearly increases in jump height and Ppeak in all ages. In boys, the maximum jump height and predicted Ppeak 50th percentile ranged from 24.0 to 38.0 cm and 845.5 to 3061.6 W, respectively. In girls, the 50th percentile ranged from jump height was 22.3 to 27.0 cm and predicted Ppeak was 710.1 to 2036.4 W. For girls, jump height increased yearly from 9 to 12.9 years before reaching a plateau aged 13 to 16.9 years old.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide, for the first time, sex- and age-specific vertical jump height and predicted Ppeak reference standards for Colombian schoolchildren aged 9-17.9 years.