Validity and Reliability of Jump Height Measurements Obtained From Nonathletic Populations With the VERT Device

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertical jump (VJ) is commonly used to assess lower extremity power in athletic populations. A portable device called the VERT has been validated for this population, but not in nonathletic populations. We sought in this study to assess the clinimetric properties of VJ height measurements obtained with the VERT from older and younger nonathletes. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants (14 older, 14 younger, evenly split between male and female) completed 2 submaximal and 3 maximal VJ trials wearing the VERT during 2 sessions separated by 5 to 9 days. During the first session, their VJ heights were also monitored using motion capture video. RESULTS: Analysis revealed concurrent validity of the VERT against motion capture (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC3,1] = 0.826-0.950) and known-groups validity of the VERT based on age and gender (P < .001). Strong parallel reliability against a second VERT device (ICC = 0.992) was demonstrated as was strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.968). CONCLUSIONS: The VERT device provides valid and reliable measures of VJ height in nonathletic populations, including older adults. However, the VERT may not be suitable for recording the low jump heights of some older adults.