Utilization of the Speed–Effectiveness Index for Evaluating the Jump Performance of Female College Students in a Running-Long Jump PE Class

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the speed–effectiveness index (SEI) profile for running long jump in female college students and its applicability in evaluating jump skill. METHODS Sixty-two female college students were chosen as subjects. First, a multiple regression analysis was performed by setting jump distance as the dependent variable and height, weight, and 50- meter run time as independent variables. The SEI was calculated as the ratio between the actual jump distance and estimated jump distance derived by substituting the subject’s 50-meter run time into a liner regression equation correlating 50-meter run time with an actual jump distance (based on all subjects). RESULTS The only significant regression coefficient was the 50-meter run (p < .05), which accounted for 59.5% of jump distance variance. The SEI, which refers to the effective (or ineffective) use of speed in jumping distance, is considered a normally distributed jump skill metric. Furthermore, no significant differences in physique were found between high-SEI (greater than or equal to 1) and low-SEI (below 1) groups. CONCLUSIONS The SEI could provide a relative evaluation of jumping performance depending on physical resources without consideration of physique.