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The Eccentric Utilization Ratio (EUR) Explained

Writer's picture: Jo ClubbJo Clubb

This post explains how to calculate the Eccentric Utilization Ratio (EUR) from squat jump and countermovement jump data and how it can guide programming decisions in strength training.


In the search for sports science insights, we're always looking for ways to gather more information from the data we already collect. One approach - if measuring countermovement (CMJ) and squat (SJ) jump performance with your athletes - is to calculate the Eccentric Utilization Ratio (EUR). Whilst it is a ratio, and of course any ratio has its limitations, this is a simple measure that can provide insight into an athlete's ability to effectively utilise their stretch shortening cycle (SSC).



How to Determine the Eccentric Utilisation Ratio

 

The EUR is a simply ratio that compares the output from a CMJ to that of a SJ. A higher EUR typically indicates that an athlete can more effectively use their stretch-shortening cycle to enhance performance in explosive actions.

 

In practical terms, athletes participating in sports demanding high explosive output, like football and rugby, often exhibit higher EUR values (McGuigan et al., 2006). It has also been shown to increase with training from the off-season to the pre-season period in such sports.

 

The EUR is calculated by dividing the performance measure from the CMJ by that from the squat jump. Commonly used metrics include jump height or peak power, often measured using force plates like VALD Performance's ForceDecks. A typical EUR value greater than 1.0 suggests a more effective stretch-shortening cycle utilisation.



 

Applying the EUR in Strength Programming Decisions

 

Using the EUR as part of training insights means understanding its implications for different athletes:

 

- Athletes with an EUR > 1.1: Indicate superior use of their stretch-shortening cycle. Focus should be inclined towards strength training to further enhance power capabilities.

 

- Athletes with an EUR < 1.0: May require more emphasis on plyometric training to better exploit their stretch-shortening cycle.

 

To illustrate in the video I above, I discuss an athlete with an EUR of 1.17, achieving over 10% greater power output in the CMJ compared to their squat jump. This implies efficient stretch-shortening cycle use, suggesting a strength-based training focus. Conversely, an athlete with similar outputs for both jumps might benefit from a mix of strength and plyometric training. Whereas, if the squat jump is outperforming the CMJ, the athlete may benefit from added plyometric focus in the programme to enhance these abilities.


 

EUR and Data Quality

 

Accurate EUR assessment hinges on the quality of jump test data. It's essential to adhere strictly to testing protocols, ensuring the squat jump remains a purely concentric movement without any countermovement. Utilising ForceDecks' capabilities, analysts can validate the integrity of their data by reviewing force-time curves for compliance. For illustrations of this, jump to 5:20 in the video above.

 


Understanding Recent Research

 

Like most ratios, the EUR should not be viewed in isolation. Recent research has suggested that higher EUR values might correlate with reduced rate of force development (RFD) capabilities in the squat jump (Kozinc et al., 2024). Therefore, when using EUR, one should also analyse the foundational metrics to contextualise these insights within broader athletic performance.

 

The EUR is often linked to elastic energy utilisation, yet it is crucial not to equate it solely with eccentric capabilities. This ratio reflects an athlete's capacity to harness the countermovement and utilise the stretch-shortening cycle. Consequently, van Hooren and Zolotarjova (2017) advocate renaming the EUR to better encapsulate this nuance, suggesting 'Countermovement Utilisation Ratio' as a more appropriate term.


The EUR, when integrated thoughtfully, provides valuable insights into athletic potential and training programme alignment. By leveraging this ratio alongside other performance metrics, practitioners can guide training for sports with explosive demands.



FAQs

 

Q: What is the primary use of the Eccentric Utilisation Ratio? 

A: The EUR helps in guiding training decisions by comparing countermovement jump performance to squat jump performance, indicating how well an athlete uses their stretch-shortening cycle.

 

Q: Can the EUR be used for all athletes? 

A: While useful, the EUR should be part of a broader testing battery. It's crucial to consider each athlete's sport, injury history, and goals when interpreting results.


Q: How can EUR be applied to guide training programmes?

A: Given the ratio reflects an athlete's ability to utilise the stretch-shortening cycle, the EUR is a method for guiding the type of training that may be most beneficial to athletes. An EUR less than 1.0, representing poorer CMJ performance compared to SJ, suggests athletes may benefit from plyometric training to improve the use of their stretch shortening cycle. An EUR over 1.1 represents that CMJ performance is more than 10% greater than SJ, suggesting effective use of their countermovement. Such athletes may benefit from strength training.

 

Q: How critical is data quality for EUR assessment? 

A: Extremely. Ensuring accurate squat jumps without countermovement requires rigorous protocol adherence, with tools like ForceDecks offering validation through force-time analysis.


 

Stay tuned for more insights on athlete testing in our series sponsored by VALD Performance. Subscribe to the blog to stay updated!


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The logo for the sports technology company, VALD Performance, in orange on a white background. The logo is an outline of a Viking style helmet, with the words VALD PERFORMANCE capitalised underneath

This article is support by VALD Performance. For more information, about their technology, visit their website.



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