Comparisons between peak power prediction equations in adolescent female basketballers

The aim of this study was to compare previously validated prediction equations for estimating peak power from vertical jumping with actual peak power determined via force platform analysis. Eighteen elite junior female basketball players (age = 16.5 ± .5 years) performed a series of counter movement jumps (CmJ) on a portable force platform. Actual peak power (PPactual) and CmJ height were determined from force platform data. Peak power was also estimated (PPest) using four commonly used regression equations. Significant relationships were evident between PPactual and PPest as estimated by the Harman et al, Sayers-SJ Sayers-CmJ and Canavan and Vescovi equations (all P 0.05). Typical error was also lowest (8%) for the Sayers-CmJ equation. The results of this study suggest that there are differences between peak power directly determined from a force platform and peak power estimated using regression equations in this sample of elite, jump-based athletes. As typical error was lowest and there were no differences between actual and estimated peak power for the Sayers-CmJ equation, scientists practitioners may be best placed using this equation when estimating CmJ peak power in field settings with female jump-based athletes