Timed hop test

The Timed 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, tape measure, something to draw the start/finish lines and a stopwatch.

• Procedure: In this test the subject has to jump on one leg to cover a distance of 6 metres (A-B) as fast as possible without touching the ground with the contralateral leg, otherwise the attempt will be considered void. To perform this test, the subject must place his/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.