International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS)
Abstract
One of the simplest way to calculate power-output is using the Lewis formula. Harman et al. (1991) and Garhammer (1993) stated that the Lewis formula is not scientifically correct but it still widely used. Only a limited number of studies have tried to determine if there is a need for separate power-output prediction equations for each gender (Mayhew & Salm, 1990; Garhammer, 1993). The purpose of this study was to determine the need of separate power-output prediction equations for each gender and to test the validity of Lewis formula in the prediction of power output. Forty-nine female and 69 male athletes were measured for height, weight, thigh circumference, thigh skinfold, thigh length, and foreleg length. The athletes performed a countermovement jump and reach test from a force platform. A Vertec jumping apparatus was used to measure vertical jump height 0an d the force platform was used to acquire force-time data to determine actual peak and average power output. Eight anthropometric measurements, VHJ, and gender were used in a stepwise multiple regression statistical procedure to develop the prediction equations. One way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to compare the predicted average power from the Lewis formula, the estimated average power values developed in this study, and the actual average power values measured. There were significant differences (
