An Analysis of Jump Performance Using Wearable Devices in Collegiate Volleyball Attacking Players

An Analysis of Jump Performance Using Wearable Devices in Collegiate Volleyball Attacking Players

Alvin Sherman Library

Vertical jump height in volleyball, a key performance measure, may be assessed in a laboratory and measured on the court. Baseline lab measurements are conducted in a controlled environment using a Vertec, while on the court, measurements utilize VERT wearable devices as these measurements. VERT estimates jump height indirectly through inertial measurements when compared to Vertec testing. The purpose of this study is to analyze jump height performance in collegiate volleyball attacking players. Four National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II female volleyball attackers were assessed across five separate matches. Results showed differences shown between jump heights across sets and matches compared to baseline. In comparison, VERT wearable devices revealed jump height numbers were lower during live match play, as players may be focusing on timing, game execution, and ball contact. The combined effect of fatigue, mental and cognitive demands, sport-specific patterns, and testing approach contributes to the observed disparity between on-court jump performance. This study emphasizes the importance of wearable technology, such as the VERT, to measure jump performance in volleyball attackers. Wearable devices also provide specific performance load metrics in addition to maximal jump capacity. Future studies may address the importance to contextualize jump performance when evaluating an athlete's performance and focusing on more game-like training habits.