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Sprint Bound Index Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider factors influencing the results.

Objective

The Sprint Bound Index Test (Young 1992)[1] can monitor the athlete's elastic leg strength development.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • Flat non-slip surface
  • Cones
  • Stopwatch
  • Two Assistants

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to bound over 30 metres as fast as possible.

  • The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
  • The 1st assistant, using cones, marks out a 30m section
  • The athlete begins with one foot on the start line and the other foot two to three feet behind
  • The two assistants stand by the finish line – 2nd assistant counts the number of foot contacts to complete the 30m section, and the 1st assistant the time to complete the 30m distance
  • The 1st assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
  • The athlete bounds down the 30m section as fast as possible
  • The 1st assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the finish line
  • The 2nd assistant counts the number of bounds to the nearest ½ bound
  • The 1st assistant records the time and the number of bounds
  • The athlete repeats the test after three minutes of recovery

Assessment

I have been unable to locate any normative data for this test.

Enter the time and number of bounds, and then select the "calculate" button to analyse the results.

Time - seconds Number of bounds -     Sprint Bound Index =

The 'sprint-bounding index' is determined as follows:

  • Sprint-bound index (SBI) = (number of bounds) × (time for 30 metres)

A reduction in the SBI indicates an improvement

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's leg strength with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active individuals but not for those where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to how the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

  • Specific facilities required
  • Assistant required to administer the test

References

  1. YOUNG, W. (1992) Sprint Bounding and the Sprint-Bound Index. NSCA Journal, 14 (4), p. 18-21

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2001) Sprint Bound Index Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/sbi.htm [Accessed