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Jump training with different loads: effects on jumping performance and power output

European Journal of Applied Physiology volume 113, pages 2511–2521 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the selective effects of different types of external loads applied in vertical jump training on both the performance and muscle power output of the squat (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ).

Methods

Physically active males practiced maximum unconstrained vertical jumps over an 8-week period with no load, with either a negative or positive load exerted by a nearly constant external force that altered their body weight, and with a loaded vest that increased both the body weight and inertia. The magnitude of all applied loads corresponded to 30 % of body weight.

Results

A similar training-associated increase in jump height was observed in all experimental groups in both CMJ (7.4–11.8 %) and SJ (6.4–14.1 %). The relative increase in power output was comparable to the increase in jump height in SJ (7.4–11.5 %), while the power increase in CMJ was relatively small and load-specific (0.5–9.5 %). The observed differences could originate from the changes in the CMJ pattern, reflected through the depth of the counter movement that particularly increased after the training with negative load (42 %) and no load (21 %). The same participants also revealed increased CMJ duration, reduced ground reaction forces, as well as reduced maximum and average power output when compared with other training groups.

Conclusion

Jump training with the applied loads could lead to a comparable improvement in jumping performance. However, the observed load-specific adaptations of CMJ pattern could decouple the training-associated increase in jump height from the increase in muscle power output.

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Abbreviations

CMJ:

Countermovement jump

ConG:

Control group

ES:

Effect size

F max :

Maximum GRF

F tran :

GRF in the instant of transition from the eccentric to concentric jump phase

GRF:

Ground reaction force

ΔHecc :

Depth of the counter movement

H max :

Maximum jump height

NegLG:

Negative load group

NoLG:

No-load group

P avg :

Average power during the concentric jump phase

P max :

Peak power

PosLG:

Positive load group

SJ:

Squat jump

t con :

Duration of the concentric jump phase

t ecc :

Duration of the eccentric jump phase

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Acknowledgments

The study was supported in part by Grant from the US National Institute of Health (R21AR06065) and Grants from Serbian Research Council (175037 and 175012).

Conflict of interest

Authors claim no conflict of interest.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. University of Belgrade, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, The Research Center, Blagoja Parovica 156, Belgrade, Serbia

    Srdjan Markovic, Dragan M. Mirkov & Olivera M. Knezevic

  2. University of Belgrade, Institute for Medical Research, Dr Subotica starijeg 4, Belgrade, Serbia

    Olivera M. Knezevic

  3. Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Rust Arena, Rm. 143, 541 South College Avenue, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Slobodan Jaric

  4. Biomechanics and Movement Science Graduate Program, University of Delaware, Rust Arena, Rm. 143, 541 South College Avenue, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Slobodan Jaric

Authors
  1. Srdjan Markovic
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  2. Dragan M. Mirkov
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  3. Olivera M. Knezevic
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  4. Slobodan Jaric
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Slobodan Jaric.

Additional information

Communicated by William J. Kraemer.

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Markovic, S., Mirkov, D.M., Knezevic, O.M. et al. Jump training with different loads: effects on jumping performance and power output. Eur J Appl Physiol 113, 2511–2521 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2688-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-013-2688-6

Keywords

  • Height
  • Kinematic pattern
  • Strength
  • Adaptation
  • Muscle