Figure-of-8 hop test

The Figure-of-8 Hop Test is a functional test that belongs to the Hop Tests family. These tests are based on horizontal single-leg jumps in which the take-off and landing phases are performed with the same leg. These tests are frequently used in the world of sport and performance to identify asymmetries in the lower limbs. Hop Tests demand high levels of control, strength, power, coordination and confidence.

• Required Material: A non-slip surface, 2 cones, measuring tape and something to draw the lines and mark the place where the foot lands after the jump.

• Procedure: In this test, the subject must jump with one leg and run 2 out-and-back segments (A-B) of 5 metres each, as fast as possible, making a 180° change of direction. The subject must start the test from the right side of cone A, go around cone B on the outside and finish the race on the opposite side to where he/she started, so that the route taken forms shape of an “eight”. The subject must perform the run without touching the ground with his/her other leg, otherwise the attempt will be considered null and void. To perform this test, the subject must place his or her hands on the back (illustration A) or at the waist-hip (illustration B) during the entire test, thus focusing the action on the lower limb. There is also a variant in which the subject performs the test with his/her hands free (figure C).

• Assessment: The time is measured in seconds (sec) since the moment the evaluator gives the start command until the subject returns and crosses the finish line (cone A). The subject has a maximum of 3 attempts with 30 seconds recovery time between each attempt. In Fisicalcoach, the longest distance reached by the subject can be recorded, as well as the mean and the median.

• Remarks: The aim of this test is to have a difference of less than 10% in jumping distance between one leg and the other. In the case of an injured limb, this should be recorded and taken into account when analysing the results.