Investigation of Vertical Jump Performance After Completing Heavy Squat Exercises

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether vertical jump height was influenced by completing a half squat or quarter squat exercise prior to jumping. Ten male subjects experienced with the squat exercise performed 4 warm up squat sets followed by 1 repetition with the weight of 90% of 1 repetition maximum of the half squat or quarter squat. No difference in jump heights after any of the 3 conditions, including a control group (F = 3.096, p = 0.070), was found. Correlations between the relative strength ratio and the difference in averaged jump heights before and after the half and quarter squat conditions were also tested, and no correlation was found (r = -0.128, p = 0.724, and r = -0.189, p = 0.601, respectively). Although statistical significance at the 0.05 level was not observed for the comparison of jump heights between conditions, we did observe a trend (i.e., p = 0.07). Therefore, we examined the individual responses to the exercises and determined that 5 of the subjects did increase their vertical jumps after both squat exercises. It may be that the influence of prejump exercise on jump performance may be individualized. Nevertheless, the use of a strength ratio does not appear to predict who will benefit from posttetanic potentiation in this type of exercise situation.

Effect of Potentiating Exercise Volume on Vertical Jump Parameters in Recreationally Trained Men

“…Kilduff et al (14) evaluated peak power output during countermovement jumps immediately (within 15 seconds), 4,8,12,16, and 20 minutes after a 3 repetition maximum back squat in professional rugby players and found that peak power output decreased immediately but increased following 8 and 12 minutes' rest, suggesting 8-12 minutes to provide optimal recovery following a heavy-load back squat in professional rugby players. Similarly, Kilduff et al (15) examined peak countermovement jump height immediately (within 15 seconds), 4,8,12,16,20, and 24 minutes after a heavy-load back squat of 3 3 3 at 87% 1RM and found that peak jump height occurred 8 minutes post intervention, indicating this rest period to be optimal following a heavyload back squat. Both studies seem to demonstrate at least 8 minutes of rest after a heavy-load back squat intervention to be optimal for enhanced countermovement jump performance in professional rugby players.…”

“…Heavy-load bench press has served as a potentiating exercise to enhance upper-body power (1), while vertical jump (VJ) and sprint performance also improved following a high-force activity (17,26). Despite the potential benefits associated with PAP, a number of studies have found no significant performance improvements (3,7,10,12,13,16,21,23).…”

Prior sprint cycling did not enhance training adaptation, but resting salivary hormones were related to workout power and strength

“…For instance, strength athletes are thought to possess a greater percentage of type II Wbres that respond more readily to PAP (Chiu et al 2003) with strength training enhancing this response by increasing the size of the type II Wbres and allowing more of these Wbres to be recruited (Rixon et al 2007). Nevertheless, even in experienced weightlifters, the muscle response to potentiating exercise may still be individualized (Mangus et al 2006). The elevation of systemic hormones is one possible factor responsible for improved performance after a potentiating exercise.…”

Effect of Functional Isometric Squats on Vertical Jump in Trained and Untrained Men

“…Postactivation potentiation studies have investigated the impact of various squatting protocols (e.g., 3RM, 5RM, and half-squats) on explosive performance (e.g., vertical and horizontal jump, sprinting) (1,3,6,12,13,20,22,26). Some studies have shown positive PAP responses, (6,13,26), but there also have been studies without significant results (3,10,12,20,22).…”

“…Some studies have shown positive PAP responses, (6,13,26), but there also have been studies without significant results (3,10,12,20,22). An influential factor could be timing.…”