Short-term Resistance and Plyometric Training Improves Eccentric Phase Kinetics in Jumping.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of an abbreviated resistance and plyometric training program on force- and power-time curve variables during jumping. Nineteen male subjects were assigned to either a training (n = 9) or control group (n = 10). Training consisted of performing 3 sets of 3 repetition squats (90% of 1 repetition maximum [RM]) and 5 sets of 6 repetition drop jumps from 40 cm twice per week for 4 weeks. A 1RM in the squat and countermovement (CMJ) and static jump (SJ) performance was assessed before and after training. Several variables were analyzed for individual subject force- and power-time curves for the jumps. Average force- and power-time curves for all subjects combined were also analyzed. Absolute and relative squat strength significantly increased in training group (p ≤ 0.05). Calculation of variables from individual subject force-time curves during the CMJ indicated a significant decrease in eccentric time, minimum force, and eccentric impulse and significant increase in eccentric rate of force development in training group. Analysis of individual power-time curves in the CMJ also revealed a significant decrease in minimum power and eccentric work and a significant increase in eccentric rate of power development. No significant changes occurred in the variables measured for the SJ. The results of this study indicate that short-term strength and plyometric training may preferentially influence eccentric performance variables during jumping in comparison with longer term training enhancements to the concentric phase performance.

Effect of Load on Peak Power of the Bar, Body and System during the Deadlift.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine how load would affect peak power (PP) of the bar, body and system (bar + body) during the deadlift. Eight healthy males (age = 22.00 ± 2.38 years; height = 1.80 ± 0.05 m; body mass = 88.97 ± 14.88 kg; deadlift one repetition maximum [1RM] = 203.44 ± 21.59 kg, 1RM/BM = 2.32 ± 0.31) with a minimum of 2 years' resistance training experience and a deadlift 1RM over 1.5 times their bodyweight participated in the investigation. During the first session, anthropometric data were recorded and a 1RM deadlift was obtained from the participants. During the second session, participants performed two repetitions at intensities of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% of their 1RM in a randomized order. Three-dimensional videography with a force plate was used for data collection and analysis. Peak force (PF), peak velocity (PV), an d PP were calculated for the bar, body, and system (bar + body) during the deadlift. PP occurred at 50%, 30%, and 70% of 1RM for the bar, body, and system, respectively. The optimal loading for the deadlift exercise may vary depending on the desired stimulus and whether the bar, body, or system variables are of most interest. Key pointsPeak power of the bar, body and system vary depending upon load.Loading should be chosen according to desired training effect, with considerations for sport specificity.Additional exercises should be investigated concerning the effect of various loads on power.