Understanding the key phases of the countermovement jump force-time curve

McMahon, JJ; Suchomel, TJ; Lake, JP; Comfort, P

Abstract

The countermovement jump (CMJ) test is commonly conducted to assess
neuromuscular function and is being increasingly performed using force platforms.
Comprehensive insight into athletes’ neuromuscular function can be gained through detailed
analyses of force-time curves throughout specific phases of the CMJ, beyond jump height
alone. Confusingly, however, many different terms and methods have been used to describe
the different phases of the CMJ. This article describes how six key phases of the CMJ
(weighing, unweighting, braking, propulsion, flight, and landing) can be derived from force-time
records to facilitate researchers’ and practitioners’ understanding and application to their
own practice.

Citation

McMahon, J., Suchomel, T., Lake, J., & Comfort, P. (2018). Understanding the key phases of the countermovement jump force-time curve. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 40(4), 96-106. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000375

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 3, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jan 30, 2018
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Apr 11, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 30, 2019
• Journal: Strength & Conditioning Journal
• Print ISSN: 1524-1602
• Electronic ISSN: 1533-4295
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 96-106
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000375
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000375
• Related Public URLs: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/pages/default.aspx; https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Fulltext/2018/08000/Understanding_the_Key_Phases_of_the.10.aspx