Validity of a User-Friendly Spreadsheet Designed for an In-Depth Analysis of Countermovement Bipodal Jumps

Abstract

Countermovement bipodal jumps (CMJs), are widely used for health and performance assessment, but the software required for such analyses is often costly. The study aim was to examine the validity of an Excel/VBA spreadsheet for comprehensive CMJ kinetic analysis. The outcomes have been informed from scientific literature, and the spreadsheet includes modules for data filtering and photogrammetric analysis. To evaluate its validity, 21 participants performed CMJs on a dual force platform system, and the primary outcomes were compared with those derived from prestigious software (MARS 4.0). When jump height was calculated based on take-off speed and flight time the Mean Absolute Errors were 1.79 and 0.69 cm and the minimal detectable changes (MCD) were 1.28 and 0.16 cm. For the propulsive impulse, the error was 5.5 N · s and the MCD was 5.41 N · s. The intraclass correlations were 0.932 (0.902–0.953), 0.984 (0.977–0.989), and 0.940 (0.914–0.959), respectively, demonstrating a strong relationship, and residuals exhibited homoscedasticity. Considering the variability reported in previous studies for intra- and inter-subject comparisons, these errors are minimal, highlighting the spreadsheet’s sensitivity. With its exhaustive analytical capabilities and customizable features, this template serves as a valuable tool for trainers, physiotherapists, and academic teaching settings.