TY - JOUR AU - Peyper, Kyle AU - Olivier, Benita AU - Green, Andrew PY - 2022/06/07 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - The cycle ergometer test is not a reliable alternative to the countermovement jump in the assessment of power output JF - South African Journal of Sports Medicine JA - SA J Sports Med VL - 34 IS - 1 SE - Articles DO - 10.17159/2078-516X/2022/v34i1a12869 UR - https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajsm/article/view/12869 SP - AB - <p><strong>Background:</strong> Rugby union is a physically demanding collision sport that requires optimal neuromuscular function<br />for maximal power output, with mechanical power an integral component of performance. Peak power (Pp) and<br />relative Pp are parameters of neuromuscular function commonly assessed through the countermovement jump<br />(CMJ) as a measure of fatigue. The Wattbike cycle ergometer test (CET) is a non-load bearing method of evaluating lower limb power. The cost-effective CET could therefore offer a viable alternative to the CMJ.</p><p><br /><strong>Objectives:</strong> This study aimed to determine the concurrent validity of the CMJ and CET.</p><p><br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty-eight professional rugby union players performed twelve CMJs on a force platform with four loads<br />(bodyweight: BW-CMJ; 20kg: 20-CMJ; 40kg: 40-CMJ and 60kg: 60-CMJ) and a six second peak power (6PPO) CET assessment on a Wattbike ergometer.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> CMJ power outputs were [BW-CMJ: Pp - 3101±648 W; 20-CMJ: Pp - 2724±513 W; 40-CMJ: Pp - 2490±496 W; 60-CMJ: Pp - 2238±366 W] and CET [Pp – 1310±161 W]. None of the CMJ-Pp values showed relationships with any CET power variables. Large (r = 0.51-0.63; p = 0.000 – 0.001) relationships<br />were found to be between relative CMJ and relative CET power outputs. Bland-Altman plots, which were used to<br />determine the level of agreement between the two assessments, showed the agreement between the tests was<br />poor. </p><p><br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Though positive relationships existed between relative CMJ and relative CET power variables, analyses of the level of agreement in the Bland-Altman plots suggest that the two power assessment methods are not interchangeable measures of power.</p> ER -