Horizontal Or Vertical Power Lab Write Up free essay sample

Running and jumping competitions have taken place for centuries, dating as far back as the first Olympian games. These physical competitions measured individual’s prowess, but also competing for power to rule or show their masculinity. Today, in modern times, this is synonymous to individuals who are judged on their highest jump and fastest 40-yard dash time as part of the National Football League draft, which combine their specific position and ratings as compared to other recruits. Although there are other determining skills and factors these two skills have been determined to directly correlate the amount of power an individual has and is able to produce. Both of these measurements are anaerobic exercises because they do not rely on oxygen as the main energy source; instead, the athlete gets their fuel from energy sources that are stored in their muscle fibers. The sprint and vertical jump tests show us the power an individual can generate and use within their own anaerobic system. According to the 50-yard dash test results, subject one had an above average rating for horizontal power with his calculated peak power being 6059 watts, and his peak vertical power was 6219 watts with a rating of well above average. Subject one’s training history of anaerobic exercises such as powerlifting and cross-fit definitely reflected the results with an above average rating in horizontal power. A few days before performing both of the tests the subject stated he had been suffering from a cold that could have affected his performance and thus his rating for the evaluation. Although the 50-yard dash relies mainly on the individual’s anaerobic system there still could be factors related to being sick that could have caused him to have a decrease in power, resulting in a potential lack of oxygen, minerals and supplements to the muscles in order for them to operate sufficiently. During the test subject one did stumble, which could be due to his lack of practice or training in the 40/50-yard dash. Subject one may have been able to perform better and not stumble has much if he would have had preparation time leading up to the test. Subject one performed well above average in the maximum vertical jump test that rates vertical peak power. With the subject doing cross-fit training and powerlifting it is understandable that he would perform well in this test due to the strength that is used during his regular workout routine, especially in the legs. Individuals utilize their core and their entire low body when performing a standing vertical jump and the more strength and power they can generate the more efficient they will be at it. Although subject one performed well above average his body weight may have had an adverse effect on his performance, but with his current fitness and training level it does not appear that this is much of a problem. Subject two’s horizontal power was rated well above average and her vertical power received a rating of above average. Subject two is a track and field athlete at Colorado Mesa University where she competes in the long jump and 400 meter hurdles, which would give her an advantage when comparing her to the average population. The fact that she is a runner gives her more confidence in the sprint test, especially when competing in a hurdle event there is a high amount of sprinting leading up to the hurdles as well as the light footwork necessary to keep her agile. Jumping events require the use of the anaerobic system, which would give subject two an advantage since she trains in this discipline often. Subject two ranked above average for her vertical peak power. Factors to consider why subject two’s ranks may not have been higher could be due to her previously injured hip flexor and her personal experience being a horizontal jumper, not a vertical jumper. The hip flexor is used to generate power when the body readies itself to push off the ground, so with it being injured could decrease its power thus decreasing subject two’s overall vertical peak jump-height. There is a small possibility that her previous training with being a horizontal jumper may have resulted in a decreased overall vertical peak jump-height also. When training for horizontal jumping subject two trains in running, which is the force that is utilized in the jump. This prep is different than for vertical jumping. Both subjects excelled in each event. This may be seen when analyzing the power in watts according to the standards of the Sayers Equation and when compared to average times for high school and college-age athletes. The tests completed during this test involved the anaerobic system with each exercise occurring for 3-10 seconds. During this time creatine kinase is used to combine adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in conjunction with phosphocreatine, which yields adenosine triphosphate (ATP)- the body’s source of energy. Both subjects excelled in anaerobic tests, which suggests each has a higher percentage of 2a muscle fibers, but lack the ability to perform at a strictly anaerobic-athlete’s level. Conclusion: Both the 50-yard dash and vertical jump were used to determine the power of an athlete, which were anaerobic tests. The ability for athletes to propel themselves from the ground takes a lot of power, which is why the vertical jump is a prime example in determining an individual’s strength. On the other hand there are many sports where individuals must propel themselves horizontally and how fast they are able to do it, which is why the 50-yard ash is also an important test to determine an individual’s speed. It is unwise to prescribe these events into an exercise prescription for someone who has minimal athletic training history. Both of these tests are easy to perform and conduct, which makes tests available and are a standard for research, recruiting and practical uses for those who are active in their daily lives.