Cyclic Jump Height

Measure the stretch-shortening cycle with this jump metric.

From the Cyclic Jump test, cyclic jump height is used to calculate Reactive Strength Index (RSI), which is the ratio between flight time and ground contact time. Therefore, if the jump is higher, the flight time is longer, and RSI is higher (assuming the same ground contact time). The goal in cyclic jumps is to maximize jump height and minimize ground contact time. Cyclic jump height is also an indicator of how well a person can utilize their stretch-shortening cycle (SSC).

Examples of how to use Plantiga’s Cyclic Jump Height Measure:

Cyclic jump height as a training tool - When used in combination with the RSI metric, cyclic jump height can help to determine deficiencies in movement patterns. For example, if an athlete has a high jump height and a low RSI, they have a long ground contact time. This indicates that they are powerful, but their SSC is slow as it take a long time to change between eccentric and concentric movements. Conversely, if their jump height is low and their RSI is high, the athlete lacks power, but has a fast SSC. These indicators can help with exercise prescriptions to inform the coach on which part of the jump needs training.