The Addition of Variable Weight Loads in Warm-Up Has No Effect On Vertical Jump

Abstract

Dynamic warm-up strategies are designed to positively impact performance. Research suggests that warm-ups which elicit a post activation potentiation (PAP) effect via high intensity muscular contractions may increase performance in subsequent activities requiring strength and power. However, the potential of eliciting a PAP may be influenced by training level (i.e., recreational vs. competitive) and intensity and volume of loading stimuli. PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of the addition of various weight loads to a standard warm-up on subsequent countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) performance in recreationally trained individuals. METHODS: 10 recreationally trained (resistance and aerobic training) individuals participated (mean (SD), age = 22.0 (3.1) yrs; mass = 81.3 (18.3) kg; ht = 177.3 (9.6) cm). Four different dynamic warm-up protocols were employed randomly on four separate days before assessing maximal CMVJ in 3 trials. All four started with a 4 minute treadmill jog. Then, the following conditions were used: 1) 1 minute seated rest followed by a CMVJ test (VJ); 2) 1 minute seated rest, then 10 maximal CMVJ's with bodyweight followed by 4 minutes rest, then a CMVJ test (BWVJ); 3) 1 minute seated rest, then 10 maximal CMVJ's while wearing a vest loaded with 20% bodyweight followed by 4 minutes rest, then a CMVJ test (20VJ); and 4) 1 minute seated rest, then 10 maximal CMVJ's while wearing a vest loaded with 40% bodyweight followed by 4 minutes rest, then a CMVJ test (40VJ). RESULTS: No significant difference (p<0.05) occurred in CMVJ between any warm-up condition; results (cm, mean (SD)): VJ = 60.6 (7.1); BWVJ = 61.2 (7.2); 20VJ = 60.3 (8.5); 40VJ = 60.7 (7.3). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, no PAP effect was elicited by weighted jumps and variation in warm-up load had no effect on the CMVJ performance of these recreationally trained individuals.