We investigated the associations and differences between dynamic strength index (DSI) calculated from different types of vertical jump (countermovement jump; CMJ and squat jump; SJ) and different isometric knee joint angles (30, 60 and 90[degrees]), and associations with force-velocity (FV) profile and its constituent variables (maximal…

This study aimed to assess intra- and inter-visit reliability of a novel EasyForce dynamometer for assessment of maximal strength in knee extension and flexion, and hip abduction and adduction tasks. Young healthy participants (n = 50; 25 males, 25 females; age: 23.4 ± 2.1 years) were measured for maximal joint torque with EasyForce dynamometer…

This study analyzed the factorial structure of motor competence tests designed to evaluate motor development among adolescents, focusing on the two main dimensions of coordination and motor control. To this end, we randomly sampled 1,026 adolescents (45.3% males; 45.7% females, age 13.75 years, SD = 1.28). Participants completed the…

The aims of this study were to determine the fundamental movement skill proficiency, functional movement competency and health-related physical fitness in a cohort of UK adolescents and to further examine if there were any relationships between these variables. In total, there were 178 participants aged between 11 and 13 years, 90 boys and 88…

This study investigated the objectivity, reliability, and the validity of the Basketball Throw Test (BTT) as an upper-body muscular strength measure. Participants (33 boys and 32 girls; mean age = 8.75 ± 1.47) performed the BTT on 2 occasions (1-week apart), and the hand-grip test as criterion measure. The objectivity and reliability were…

Using a sample of healthy youth (n = 466, 10 to 18 yr), we report the predictive utility of vertical jump power (VJ Power, W) for predicting bone strength. We measured VJ Power using mechanography and an indicator of bone strength, i.e., height-adjusted total bone mineral content less head (TBLH BMC, g), using DXA. Growth curve models were used to…

We aimed to assess the test-retest reliability of five muscle strength and physical function tests in healthy children. Forty-one children (6--9 years) were tested three times 4-10 days apart. The test protocol included maximal isometric leg press, hand grip strength, squat jump, long jump, and a 30-sec sit-to-stand test (STST). When comparing…

We developed plank test standards, based on trunk lean mass-to-fat mass (LM/FM) ratio, in a sample of healthy Portuguese 10--18 year olds (n = 474, 46.4% female). Height and weight were measured and muscular endurance was assessed using the prone plank test. Trunk LM/FM ratio was determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Plank standards…

This study evaluated test-equating methods to enable comparisons and conversions between the vertical jump (VJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) tests. A total of 528 youth (280 males) performed VJ and SLJ, and their scores were randomly split as the calibration (C) sample (n = 478) and cross-validation (CV) sample (n = 50). SLJ scores of the C sample…

Many professionals use the handheld dynamometers (HHDs) to assess isometric strength. This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change of a DiCI (a new HHD) for the strength measurement of knee and hip muscles and their ratios. Thirty-five recreational athletes completed quadriceps, hamstring, and hip adductors and…

Incorporation of the vertical jump (VJ) test in health-related fitness batteries is predicated on the availability of prediction equations to accurately estimate VJ power. The purpose was to develop and validate a generalizable equation to estimate VJ power from VJ height, body mass, age, and sex in 10- to 18-year-olds. The sample (N = 529)…

This study examined the predictive validity of musculoskeletal fitness tests for identifying sarcopenia in youth. The sample was 529 participants age 10 to 18 years. Indices included: total lean body mass (LBM) normalized for height (LBM index, LBMI, kg/m2), appendicular LBMI (aLBMI, kg/m[superscript 2]), and LBM to fat body mass (FBM) ratio…

This study summarized protocols in the "Lisbon Study for the Development and Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Fitness Standards in Youth" and assessed associations between fitness assessments and health outcomes. The sample was 529 children and adolescents (10 to 18 yr). The fitness assessments included handgrip, vertical jump, long jump,…

The aim of this study was to clarify the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the rate of force development in hip abductor muscle force measurements using a hand-held dynamometer. Thirty healthy adults were separately assessed by two independent raters on two separate days. Rate of force development was calculated from the slope of the…

This study examined the predictive ability of the medicine ball chest throw and vertical jump for muscular strength and power in adolescents. One hundred and ninety adolescents participated in this study. Participants performed trials of the medicine ball chest throw and vertical jump, with vertical jump peak power calculated via an estimation…