Training effects of amortization phase with eccentric/concentric variations--the vertical jump

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Vertical jump performance is crucial in many sports.
• Optimizing force, velocity, and muscle adaptations can enhance jump height.
• Understanding the impact of different training protocols is essential for athletic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if combined eccentric and concentric training improves vertical jump performance.
• To analyze the effects of training on force production, velocity, and muscle activation.
• To compare the efficacy of different training variations on key performance indicators.

Main Methods:

• Four groups participated: three training groups and one control group.
• Training involved three variations of eccentric (Ecc) and concentric (Con) movements over eight weeks.
• Measurements included isometric force (force transducers), velocity (displacement transducer), and muscle activation (surface EMG) during leg presses, squat jumps (SJ), and countermovement jumps (CJ).

Main Results:

• Groups 1 and 2 enhanced isometric force and concentric power in leg presses.
• Groups 1 and 2 increased SJ height, muscle activity, force, and power; only Group 1 improved velocity.
• Group 3 showed improvements in isometric force and power for leg presses, SJ, and CJ, with increased velocity, muscle activity, and height in both jumps. The control group showed no changes.

Conclusions:

• Combined eccentric and concentric training can significantly improve vertical jump performance.
• Different training protocols yield varying degrees of improvement in force, velocity, and muscle adaptations.
• Targeted training is effective in enhancing biomechanical and physiological factors contributing to jump height and power.