Sprint Bound Index Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's elastic leg strength.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • 400 metre track - 30 metre marked section on the straight
  • Cones
  • Stop Watch
  • Two assistants

How to conduct the test

  • Begin with one foot on the start line and place the other foot two to three feet behind you.
  • Place both of your helpers at the finish line - one to count the number of foot contacts and the other to time your sprint-bound effort over the 30 metre distance.
  • On your own command, sprint-bound down the track for the entire 30 metre distance.
  • The timer should start the watch when the foot on the start line breaks contact with the ground and then stop the watch when your torso crosses the finish line
  • The time is recorded by rounding up to the nearest tenth of a second
  • Your second helper is responsible for counting the number of bounds it takes you to reach the finish line.
  • The number of bounds should be rounded down to the nearest half-bound.
  • Perform three trials, with three to five minutes between each trial.
  • Record the results of all three trials

Calculate the 'sprint-bounding index' for each trial using the following formula:

  • Sprint-bound index (SBI) = (no. of bounds) × (time for 30 metres).

Example:
You've taken 15.5 bounds to cover the 30 metres, in a time of 4.5 seconds.
SBI = 15.5 × 4.5 = 69.75.

Record your best result from the three trials. The lower the index, the better the result.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

SBI Calculator

Enter the time, number of bounds and then select the "calculate" button for an analysis of the results.

Time - seconds Number of bounds -
   
Sprint Bound Index =

Target Group

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

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon, how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

There are no published tables to relate results to potential level of fitness.

Reference: 'Sprint Bounding and the Sprint-Bound Index,' NSCA Journal, vol. 14(4), pp. 18-21, 1992.

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Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2