The comparison of the Max Jones Quadrathlon with the vertical jump and Wingate cycle tests as a method to assess anaerobic power in female Division I college basketball players

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant relation existed between the Max Jones Quad test and two established anaerobic power tests in female Division I basketball players. A secondary purpose was to develop models to predict: (1) Anaerobic power (as measured by the Wingate cycle and vertical jump tests) using anthropometric measures and components of the Max Jones Quadrathlon (2) Basketball performance from anaerobic power (as determined by the Vertical Jump, Wingate cycle, and Max Jones Quadrathlon tests).;Thirteen members of the University of Pittsburgh Women's Division I basketball team were recruited for this investigation and had the support and approval of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics, head women's Basketball Coach, and strength and conditioning coach. The women's basketball team met for testing on three separate days. On the first day, anthropometric measurements and the vertical jump test were performed. Peak and mean anaerobic power were determined using equations based on each subject's individual vertical jump height in centimeters (cm), body mass in kilograms (kg), and height in centimeters (cm). On the second day, the Max Jones Quadrathalon Test was performed, which consists of four stations: (1) standing broad jump, (2) 3 consecutive broad jumps, (3) overhead shot put toss, and (4) 30 meter sprint. The standing broad jump, 3 consecutive broad jumps, and overhead shot put toss were measured in meters (m) and centimeters (cm), while the 30 meter sprint was timed in seconds. On the third and final day, the subjects performed the 30-second Wingate cycle ergometer test. Peak and mean anaerobic power, as well as the fatigue index (percent change) over the 30-seconds, were calculated by a computer program during the test. Relationships between the Max Jones Quadrathlon total score and anaerobic power determined by the Vertical Jump and Wingate cycle tests were not significant. A significant relationship was found between anaerobic power on the Wingate cycle test and the 30 meter sprint (p<0.05), but with no other components of the Max Jones Quadrathlon for either anaerobic power test. Additionally, correlations between vertical jump height and Max Jones Quadrathlon components were found to be significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01). Models to predict anaerobic power from anthropometric measures and Max Jones Quadrathlon components and models to predict basketball performance from anaerobic power were created. Several equations for each case were deemed significant (p=0.000) for predicting either anaerobic power or basketball performance in female players. This was the first study comparing the Max Jones Quadrathlon to established tests to measure anaerobic power. The preliminary results of the present study did not establish a relationship between the Wingate Cycle and Vertical Jump Tests and the Max Jones Quadrathlon. There exists a need to explore updated and sport specific measurement techniques.