Is Output Valid?

When introducing any new technology, one question should always come first:

Is it valid and reliable?

That’s why we welcome the question, "Is Output valid?"
It shows coaches care about substance, not just gadgets that look good on the surface.

This applies to all equipment, whether used in the lab or on the field. Data only becomes valuable when it is accurate. And if you’re using vertical jump testing to monitor performance, track fatigue, or guide training decisions, the quality of your tools matters.

The Challenge with Validating Technology

For companies, external validation isn’t easy.

Peer-reviewed research is the gold standard but often trails behind the latest tech updates. In-house white papers lack independence. Sponsored research can be influenced by social desirability bias, where authors may feel pressure to present the technology in a positive light.

That’s why we’re proud to share findings from an independent study assessing the Output Sports inertial measurement unit (IMU) for countermovement jump (CMJ) testing. Link to the Study

The Study

Researchers from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and the University of Kansas tested the accuracy and reliability of the Output IMU.

Who was tested:
50 NCAA Division III athletes across basketball, golf, and acrobatics and tumbling

What they did:
Each athlete performed two CMJs: one using a force plate and one using the Output IMU mounted over the foot. The second jump from each trial was used for analysis.

What was measured:

• Jump Height (JH)
• Flight Time (FT)
• Take-off Velocity (TOV)

The results from both devices were compared using statistical methods to evaluate accuracy and consistency.

What Did They Find?

There were no significant differences between the Output IMU and the force plate:

Agreement between the two devices was consistently high, with correlation values above 0.98 and ICC values above 0.99.

Is Output Valid & Reliable?

Yes.

This independent study confirms that the Output IMU delivers valid and reliable CMJ data that aligns closely with a well-established reference system. For coaches working in real-world environments, where time, space, and resources are often limited, that level of accuracy matters.

The value of any testing tool lies in the quality of its data. Without that, insights become guesswork and progress is harder to measure. This validation shows that with Output, you don’t need to compromise. You get precise data in a format that’s portable, practical, and easy to use.

The Takeaway

Output gives coaches a valid, versatile, and affordable solution to monitor performance with confidence. Whether you're tracking fatigue, profiling athletes, or adjusting training loads, you can trust the numbers you're working with