SJ-IMTP test

How to conduct the SJ-IMTP test

It is important to understand that whenever fitness testing is performed, it must be done so in a consistent environment (e.g. facility) that it is protected from varying weather types, and with a dependable surface that is not affected by wet or slippery conditions. If the environment is not consistent, the reliability of repeated tests at later dates can be substantially hindered and result in worthless data.

Required Equipment

Before the start of the test, it is important to ensure you have the following items:

• Reliable and consistent testing facility (e.g. gym or laboratory).
• Force platform with a computer and appropriate software.
• Fixed/immovable barbell fixed at mid-thigh height.
• Wooden or PVC dowel (approx. 100cm in length).
• Performance recording sheet.

Testing Procedure

Warm-up

Participants should thoroughly warm-up prior to the commencement of the test. Warm-ups should correspond to the biomechanical and physiological nature of the test. In addition, sufficient recovery (e.g. 3-5 minutes) should be administered following the warm-up and prior to the commencement of the test.

Once the test configuration has been set up, and the test official(s) and the athlete are ready, then the test can begin.

Starting the test

The test should always begin with the athlete’s performing the Static SJ followed by the IMTP, due to the fatiguing nature of the IMTP.

Performing the Static SJ

• The athlete is instructed to stand on the centre of the force platform with the dowel placed across their shoulders and held firmly (i.e. in a back squat position).
• When instructed by the test administrator, the athlete must lower themselves into a semi-squat position (depth dictated by the test administrator, but approximately 45˚ of knee flexion) and pause for 2-3 seconds.
• The test administrator should then initiate the countdown ‘3 – 2 – 1 – GO ‘. On the ‘GO’ signal, the athlete is required to jump as high as physically possible and attempt to land in the same spot on the force platform they took off from.
• 1-3 minutes rest should be provided between each jump.
• This must be repeated for a minimum of three efforts with the best trial determined by the highest peak force being used for further analysis. However, any decrease in peak force during the Static SJ of >50 N should result in a re-trial until three successful jumps have been performed [5].

Performing the IMTP

After completing the Static SJ test, the athlete’s should be provided with sufficient rest time; 3-10 minutes has been used in previous research [5, 6]. For the IMTP, athletes should obtain self-selected knee and hip angles based on the reports of previous research [5, 7] and ensure the barbell sits on the mid-thigh.

• The athlete is then instructed to step onto the force platform and get into position, gripping the barbell firmly with the use of wrist straps.
• Minimal pre-tension is allowed to ensure there is no slack in the athlete’s body before initiation of the pull.
• The test administrator should then initiate the counted down ‘3 – 2 – 1 – GO ‘. On the ‘GO’ signal, the athlete is required to pull against the bar with maximal effort as quickly as possible.
• Each IMTP trial should be performed for 5-seconds, and the athlete should be given strong verbal encouragement during each trial.
• This must be repeated for a minimum of three efforts with the best trial determined by the highest peak force being used for further analysis.