Leg Strength Test

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete’s elastic leg strength.

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400m track – 25m marked section on the straight
• Cones
• Stop watch
• Assistant.

How to conduct the test

• Mark out a 25m section on the straight section of the track with 2 cones.
• The athlete starts 10 to 15m behind the starting line.
• Using a jog run up, the athlete starts hopping on the dominant leg from the first cone.
• The time taken to hop between 2 cones is recorded.
• The test is then repeated with the other leg.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

Normative data for the leg strength test

The following data has been obtained from the results of tests conducted with world class athletes.

% Rank	Females	Males
91-100	3.13 – 3.75s	2.70 – 3.25s
81-90	3.76 – 4.50s	3.36 – 3.90s
71-80	4.51 – 5.70s	3.91 – 5.00s
61-70	5.71 – 6.90s	5.01 – 6.10s
51-60	6.91 – 8.15s	6.11 – 7.20s
41-50	8.16 – 8.90s	7.21 – 7.90s
31-40	8.91 – 9.45s	7.91 – 8.40s
21-30	9.46 – 10.05s	8.41 – 8.95s
11-20	10.06 – 10.34s	8.96 – 9.25s
1-10	10.35 – 10.70s	9.26 – 9.60s

Target group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are published tables to relate results to potential level of fitness and the correlation is high.