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Accentuated Eccentric Loading Increases Maximal Countermovement Jump Height Without Changes in Overall Lower Limb
Eric Yung-Sheng Su1,2, Timothy J Carroll1, Dominic J Farris1,3
1School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
European Journal of Sport Science
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) during countermovement jumps (CMJ) improved jump height but did not increase lower-limb work. Enhanced performance likely resulted from whole-body coordination changes, not greater leg power output.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) is a training method that involves a faster eccentric (lowering) phase.
- AEL is hypothesized to enhance subsequent concentric (jumping) performance through mechanisms like the stretch-shortening cycle.
- Understanding the specific mechanical and energetic adaptations to AEL is crucial for optimizing training protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical and energetic responses to AEL during maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ).
- To compare performance metrics between AEL CMJs and bodyweight CMJs.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for any observed performance enhancements with AEL.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen recreationally active men performed maximal CMJs with and without AEL (20% body mass added via dumbbells).
- Key performance variables including jump height, ground reaction forces, center-of-mass kinematics, and joint-level kinetics were measured.
- Electromyography (EMG) of lower limb muscles was also recorded.
Main Results:
- AEL CMJs resulted in significantly increased effective jump height, center-of-mass work, mean vertical ground reaction force, and peak/mean center-of-mass velocity and power.
- Despite improved jump height (2.1 cm increase), total lower-limb joint work and squat depth did not differ between conditions.
- Ankle peak power and work during push-off were reduced with AEL, suggesting a diminished ankle contribution.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced jump performance with AEL is not explained by increased lower-limb joint work output.
- The improved center-of-mass work likely originates from non-lower limb segments (e.g., trunk, upper body) through altered whole-body coordination.
- Findings suggest that AEL may enhance CMJ performance via improved coordination strategies rather than solely through greater lower-limb muscle force production.
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