Effect Of Elastic Assistance Vs. Bodyweight Training On Vertical Jump

Abstract

Athletes who depend on vertical jump performance may benefit from integrating a training program that includes elastic assistance. Recent research has shown that training with low level elastic assistance may increase vertical jump height in comparison to training at body weight. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of 30% elastic assistance versus body weight training on vertical jump. METHODS: Sixteen recreationally trained male subjects (age 21.93 ± 2.04 yrs, height 173.64 ± 5.36 cm, mass 73.44 ± 3.90 kg) were divided into three groups: control (C), body weight (BW), or 30% body weight reduction (BWR). Training consisted of jumping 2 days a week for 6 weeks. In the BWR condition, subjects wore a full body harness that was attached to four elastic cords suspended from the ceiling as they completed maximal countermovement jumps with arm swing. Each group completed pre and post-tests of three maximal countermovement jumps in both conditions, (BW and BWR). All jumps were performed on a force plate. The training program progressively increased volume over the first five weeks, and then tapered on the 6th week. Maximum values for vertical jump height and relative ground reaction force (rGRF) were analyzed for each condition and time. RESULTS: Vertical jump collapsed across group demonstrated a significant (P<0.05) increase across time, (pre: 66.70 ± 2.20 cm, post: 69.54 ± 2.41 cm) and was significantly greater for BWR (75.92 ± 2.39 cm) than BW (59.76 ± 2.00 cm). For rGRF, there was a main effect for time and condition across group. The control group showed no significant (P>0.05) difference over time. The BW group significantly (P<0.05) increased over time, (pre: 16.65 ± 1.42 N/kg, post: 18.48 ± 1.27 N/kg) and it was significantly (P<0.05) greater with assistance, (BWR: 20.24 ± 1.96 N/kg, BW: 14.73 ±.82 N/kg). The BWR group significantly (P<0.05) increased over time, (pre: 18.25 ± 1.53 N/kg, post: 22.60 ± 2.41 N/kg) and it was significantly (P<0.05) greater with assistance, (BWR: 25.09 ± 2.1 N/kg, BW: 15.94 ± 1.3 N/kg). CONCLUSION: The greatest increases in rGRF were from the BWR group (∼24%) compared to the BW group (∼11%). Therefore, athletes who are dependent on the vertical jump for their specific sport should incorporate jumping with elastic assistance in their training program.