Jumping Analysis
Whether you are a volleyball player, track athlete, or a weekend warrior your performance must be efficient. A fast time or an impressive jump might be misleading if you can only perform once before an injury happens or if you start to fatigue. At Summit Physical Therapy we can determine if you are symmetrical , efficient and safe with your movements. We ultimately want you to peak at maximum performance while preventing injury.
Our Opto Jump system enables our staff the ability to collect objective data of an athlete or patient to determine proper treatments, progressions or whether the training / therapy is effective. This can also be utilized as biofeedback to educate the patient/athlete by showing them tangible proof of the dynamic movement being tested.
Jumping Tests:
- Landing Error Scoring System (L.E.S.S.) - 17 criteria will be scored based on differing sequences of the jump to determine ACL injury risk
- Leg Squat Jump x 5 reps
- Right Leg Squat Jump x 5 reps
- Left Leg Squat Jump x 5 reps
- Ski test
Our Jumping analysis will consist of 5 different stages of the jump.
Hyperextension- We will assess hyperextension from the side view of the knee for a good visual depiction of whether hyerextension is present.
Pre Landing/Take off- This stage of the jump will be analyzed to determine the width between the hip, knee and ankle while the knees are in the most fully extended position of the jump.
Landing- One of the more valgus(Knock-kneed) position of the jump and also the most out of control landing position. We will also assess the distances here from the hip, knees and ankles.
Take-off- The most valgus position of the jump usually occurs from the weakness in the athletes hips. We will take the distance one more time from the hips, knees and ankles while looking for a percentage that will indicate a passing score.
Maximum Height- We are looking for a visual of an athlete’s vertical jump performance and will use this mainly for post testing.
Most athletes are not aware of the importance of being symmetrical and therefore will not focus on such during training. With Opto Jump we can monitor the progression of training and ensure that the program/training is advantageous and we are achieving the proper results. We do not want a dominant leg or a strong leg. We want them to be equal and performing at the same output. This ensures maximum performance, longevity and reduces likelihood of injury during every day activities or in sport allowing the athlete to be efficient in their dynamic movements.
Jumping drills can then be used to teach the athlete to preposition the entire body safely when accelerating (jumping) or decelerating (landing). Please see our ACL Prevention Program along with our Performance Enhancement Programs. More recently we have 
included sport specific speed, agility, and conditioning drills to help improve the athletes jumping, landing and deceleration techniques.
The video analysis will be broken down frame by frame to evaluate the specifics of the different phases of the jump, still frames can be drawn on to notate body and joint alignment. This sophisticated system can help determine any asymmetries or predisposition to injuries. A computer read out will then be stored for comparison at a later date to determine effectiveness or utilized as a baseline/diagnostic tool. The data can also be printed or emailed to you, your physician or healthcare provider if so desired. Our office staff will verify with your insurance company if they pay for this procedure.
$95 if insurance does not approve
This includes a gait analysis and a home exercise program
Call (423) 842-9322 for more information.