The Effects of Drop Jump Height on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement at Different Ambient Temperatures

Abstract

This study aimed to determine whether drop jump height will affect the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect at room temperature (RT) and low temperature (LT) conditions. Twelve male strength-trained males participated in this study. Prior to warm-up, subjects underwent a 30 min period of environmental adaptation. Different warm-up protocols were used at different ambient temperatures to help subjects achieve a level of muscle activity and body temperature similar to their daily training. After the pre-test, each subject participated in six experimental sessions at either RT or LT conditions, respectively, which were separated by at least 72 h and conducted at the same time of day to control for circadian influences on metabolism. After the conditioning activities, vertical jump (VJ) performance was re-tested at 4 min, 8 min, and 12 min of passive recovery to assess transient potentiation effects. Under RT conditions, 60 cm and 90 cm drop jumps could induce PAPE, with the PAPE effect being most significant at 4 min (p < 0.01) and 8 min (p < 0.01), respectively, while a 30 cm drop jump could not induce PAPE. Under LT conditions, 30 cm and 90 cm drop jumps could not induce PAPE, and VJ performance gradually declined over time (p < 0.01). However, although a 60 cm drop jump could not induce PAPE, VJ performance was not affected by LT at 8 min and declined at 12 min (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 60 cm and 90 cm drop jumps can be used to induce PAPE at RT conditions. LT can impair PAPE induction, while a 60 cm drop jump can be utilized for warm-up at LT conditions to counteract the effects of LT on athletic performance.