BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare linear position transducer force plate-based methods and more complex combinations of those for calculation of power output in loaded squat jump.
METHODS: Eight methods were used simultaneously in data collection: vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), ground reaction forces (GRF), 1 linear position transducer (1LPT), 1LPT and VGRF (1LPT+VGRF), 2 linear position transducers (2LPTs), 2LPTs and VGRF (2LPTs+VGRF), 5 linear position transducers (5LPTs), 5LPTs and GRF (5LPTs+GRF). Power output was calculated for each lift according to the sensor or sensors used and the results were compared.
RESULTS: Power output calculated separately with LPTs and GRF method did not differ significantly from combined methods such as 1LPT+VGRF, 2LPTs+VGRF. No significant differences were found when comparing power output between 5LPTs+GRF and combined methods such as 2LPTs+VGRF.
CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that test methodology with a simple single linear position transducer setup and or force platform suffice when recording vertical jump such as loaded squat jump.