A COMPARISON OF REACTIVE STRENGTH INDEX VALUES OBTAINED FROM

COUNTERMOVEMENT AND REBOUND JUMPS s

James Morgan, Paul Comfort, Thomas Dos’Santos & John J McMahon

INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE RESULTS & CONCLUSION

The countermovement jump (CMJ) test and multiple-repetition JH was significantly greater (p=0.003, d=0.498) and TTT was
rebound jump (RJ) test (usually, 3-5 RJs) are routinely conducted with significantly longer (p=0.006, d=0.267) for the CMJ than for the CMJ
athletes to evaluate their neuromuscular function (NMF) and stretch- portion of the CMRJ, while RSImod values were similar (p=0.275,
shortening cycle (SSC) ability, respectively. Jump height (JH), reactive d=0.165). For the RJ portion of the CMRJ, JH was significantly greater
strength index (RSI) and RSI modified (RSImod) are regularly reported than for both the 3RJ (p=0.006 d=0.499) and the 5RJ (p=0.001,
for these purposes. The countermovement-rebound jump (CMRJ) test d=0.690). The CT was only significantly longer for the CMRJ when
involves a CMJ immediately followed by 1 RJ, but it is unknown compared to the 5RJ (p=0.019, d=0.302). However, RSI was
whether it can be utilized as an all-encompassing test that sufficiently significantly larger for the CMRJ when compared to 3RJ (p=0.018,
evaluates both NMF and SSC ability. The purpose of this study was to d=0.275) and the 5RJ (p=0.002, d=0.401) (Figure 1). Therefore, CMJ
compare RSImod and RSI, and their constituent parts, obtained from strategy alters in the CMRJ in the direction of a shorter TTT and a
the CMRJ with the established CMJ, 3RJ and 5RJ tests. lower JH. In conclusion, based on mean values (Table 1), RJ strategy
Figure 1: A comparison of reactive strength index (RSI) values obtained for the
METHODS changes when performing increasing RJ repetitions (1, 3 or 5) in the
direction of a lower JH and shorter CT, but lower RSI (Figure 1). countermovement-rebound jump (CMRJ), the three-rebound jump (3RJ) and
the five-rebound jump (5RJ) tests.
Twenty resistance-trained men performed 3 sets each of maximal-
effort CMJs, CMRJs, 3RJs and 5RJs in a randomized order on a force PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Table 1. Mean (SD) of variables calculated from force-time data for each jump condition.
plate (1000 Hz). CMJs were performed to a self-selected depth (arms It may be wise to conduct CMJ testing separately from RJ testing,
Jump Height (cm) Time to Take-off/Ground Contact Time (s) RSImod/RSI
Mean (SD) Mean (SD) Mean (SD)
akimbo) with the intent to jump as fast and high as possible (1). CMRJs especially if monitoring NMF whereby CMJ strategy is of interest given
were performed the same but instead of absorbing the landing after CMJ 0.34 ± 0.05 0.677 ± 0.115 0.51 ± 0.09
that it changed in the CMRJ test. However, the CMRJ test may be a
the CMJ, a RJ was performed with the aim of minimizing contact time suitable alternative to the 3RJ and 5RJ tests if monitoring SSC ability is CR1J – CMJ 0.31 ± 0.05 0.647 ± 0.113 0.50 ± 0.10
(CT) and maximizing JH. The 3RJs and 5RJs were comprised of a CMJ of interest, as it yielded the highest RSI values due to a greater JH (~2- CR1J – Rebound 0.25 ± 0.05 0.223 ± 0.036 1.15 ± 0.31
followed by 3 and 5 RJs (performed like RJ element of the CMRJ), 3 cm) being attained with only a slightly longer (~2-11 ms) but still a CR3J 0.23 ± 0.04 0.221 ± 0.035 1.07 ± 0.28
respectively. CMJ start was identified using the criterion method (2). short (~233 ms) CT.
Take-off and touchdown for all jumps were identified when force fell 5max RJT 0.22 ± 0.05 0.212 ± 0.035 1.04 ± 0.27

below and then rose above 20 N, respectively. Time to take-off (TTT)

for CMJs was calculated as time at take-off minus CMJ start time and
CT for all RJs was calculated as take-off time minus touchdown time. JH
was estimated from flight time. RSImod for CMJs was calculated as JH
divided by TTT and RSI for RJs was calculated as JH divided by CT.
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REFERENCES (SD) = standard deviation; CMJ = countermovement jump; CR1J = countermovement rebound jump (1
rebound); CR3J = countermovement rebound jump (3 rebounds); 5max RJT = 5max repeated jump test;
1. McMahon JJ, Suchomel TJ, Lake JP, and Comfort P. Relationship between reactive strength index variants in RSI/RSImod = reactive strength index/reactive strength index modified.
rugby league players. J Strength Cond Res, Publish Ahead of Print.
2. Owen NJ, Watkins J, Kilduff LP, Bevan HR, and Bennett MA. Development of a Criterion Method to Determine
@JamesMSportSci j.morgan4@edu.salford.ac.uk
Peak Mechanical Power Output in a Countermovement Jump. J Strength Cond Res, 28: 1552-1558, 2014.