Determination of proper height of hurdles for continuous double-legged jump in plyometric training

The purpose of this study was to determine the proper height of hurdles for ten consecutive double-legged jumps in plyometric training The sample included 45 female (height: 165 ±5 cm and weight: 56.0 ±6.4 kg) and 35 male (height: 177 ± 6 cm and weight: 68.8 ±7.3 kg) volunteers. Two different tests of height jumps over hurdles, namely \"1 repetition maximum jump (1RMJ)\" and \"10 repetition maximum jumps (10RMJ)\" were administrated in two separate sessions 48 hours apart from each other. The rate of drop in height of 10RMJ (compared to 1RMJ) was divided into three groups of \"15 cm and lower\", \"20-25 cm\", and \"30 cm and higher\". Discriminant analysis showed that for 59% of cases, 1RMJ height could estimate 10RMJ height correctly. Furthermore, by the means of multiple regression analysis, an equation was produced to estimate proper height of 10RMJ from 1RMJ height. Accordingly, there was a variation of 10 to 35 cm in the drop rate of 10RMJ in different individuals. There was no relation between anthropometric measures and jump height. The best predictor of 10RMJ was 1RMJ. It is likely that the technique of jump, which determines the energy cost of every jump, would have a vital impact here. It is suggested to determine the height of hurdles for different number of consecutive jumps apart from 10 repetitions by the use of the same study design.