Maximal Vertical Jumps Research Articles

Acute Endocrine Responses With Long-Term Weight Lifting in a 51-Year-Old Male Weightlifter.

Eserhaut, DA, Fry, AC, Stone, MH, and Kraemer, WJ. Acute endocrine responses with long-term weightlifting in a 51 year old male weightlifter. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-To study the effects of long-term (>35 years) competitive weightlifting on acute endocrine activity, a 51-year-old male two-time Olympian in weightlifting (Subject A) was compared with highly trained young male weightlifters (controls, n = 23; age = 17.7 ± 0.3 years). Between 1400 and 1700 hours, subjects performed 15 maximum effort vertical jumps, a series of single repetitions of the snatch progressing to a maximal effort, and 3 × 10 snatch pulls at 60% 1 repetition maximum. Blood sampling occurred at 0700 hours, pre-exercise, and +5 and +15 minutes postexercise. Exercise performances were comparable between Subject A and controls and elicited similar lactate responses at +5 minutes (mmol·L-1; A = 9.2; controls = 8.1 ± 0.4). Resting testosterone at 0700 hours was lower for Subject A than for the controls (nmol·L-1; A = 13.9; controls = 25.4 ± 2.0), although acute responses at +5 minutes were comparable (A = 21.6; controls 18.3 ± 1.5). Cortisol responses (nmol·L-1; A = 468.4, controls = 540.6 ± 32.3) and testosterone:cortisol ratio (A = 0.0461; controls = 0.0376 ± 0.004) were similar at +5 minutes. Subject A showed no 22 kDa growth hormone response at +5 minutes, while controls exhibited a substantial increase (µg·L-1; A = 0.4; controls = 16.7 ± 2.6). β-endorphin responses were no different at +15 minutes for Subject A relative to controls (pmol·L-1; A = 30.1; controls = 33.8 ± 3.7). Resting and exercise-induced endocrine physiology is partially modified with aging despite long-term participation in competitive weightlifting. Importantly, Subject A's testosterone response was largely preserved.

Changes in real-world walking speed following 60-day bed-rest

The aim of this work was to explore whether real-world walking speed (RWS) would change as a consequence of 60-day bed-rest. The main hypothesis was that daily RWS would decrease after the bed-rest, with a subsequent recovery during the first days of re-ambulation. Moreover, an exploratory analysis was done in order to understand whether there is an agreement between the loss in RWS after bed-rest and the loss in the maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max), or the loss in maximal vertical jump power (JUMP) respectively. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a continuous artificial gravity group, an intermittent artificial gravity group, or a control group. The fitted linear mixed effects model showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) of RWS after the 60-day bed-rest and a subsequent increase (p < 0.001) of RWS during the 14-day recovery period in the study facility. No or little agreement was found between the loss in RWS and the loss in VO2max capacity or the loss in maximal vertical jumping power (RWS vs. VO2max: p = 0.81, RWS vs. JUMP: p = 0.173). Decreased RWS after bed-rest, with a follow-up recovery was observed for all three groups, regardless of the training intervention. This suggests that RWS, also in these settings, was able to reflect a de-conditioning and follow-up recovery process.

Effects of Training With Different Hang-Power-Clean Intensities on the Maximum Dynamic Strength, Vertical Jump, and Sprint Performance of Female Handball Players.

To compare the effects of 7weeks of training with different hang-power-clean (HPC) intensities on the maximum dynamic strength, vertical jump, and sprint performance of female handball players. Professional handball athletes with at least 1year of HPC experience volunteered to participate. The athletes were balanced by position and randomly assigned to a group with HPC at 90% (HPC90%) or 50% (HPC50%) of HPC 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The training volume was equalized between groups. Pretraining and posttraining assessments included 1RM HPC, jump height in the squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump(CMJ), and sprint speeds at 5, 20, and 30m. From pretraining to posttraining, both groups significantly increased (P ≤ .05) 1RM HPC, although a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. HPC90% and HPC50% did not induce significant changes (P > .05) in the SJ and CMJ height, although for the SJ, a small effect size was observed in favor of HPC90%. Both groups induced a significant improvement (P ≤ .05) in 5-, 20-, and 30-m sprint speeds, although for all speeds, small to moderate effect sizes were observed in favor of HPC90%. Both training groups induced significant improvements in 1RM HPC and sprint speeds, whereas no significant changes were observed in vertical jumps. In addition, based mainly on the effect sizes, the HPC90% group was more effective for increasing 1RM HPC, SJ, and sprint speeds than the HPC50% group.

Sensory equipment for monitoring and assessing the jumping ability of volleyball players.

Purpose: The objective of this research was to develop a sensor device to control and evaluate the jumping ability of elite volleyball athletes and to test its efficacy in a pedagogical experiment. Methods: The study involved determining the pulsometric and respiratory parameters during test loads, indicative of the endurance and speed-strength aspects essential for volleyball performance. Additionally, the necessity for post-training and post-competition jump performance restoration via short-term relaxation exercises was identified. Results: Through the developed computer program, a method for storing maximal vertical jumps in computer memory was established. Furthermore, a technique was developed to determine the functional significance of maximum vertical jump performance among elite volleyball players. Notably, participants in the experimental group, who performed specialized exercises developed within the experimental framework, exhibited discernible progressive improvements compared to the control group participants. Before the experiment, the maximum number of jumps in the experimental group was 29.2 ± 2.73, with a jump time of 31.7 ± 3.08. Conclusions: The equipment developed for monitoring and assessing volleyball players' jumping ability has proven effective, warranting its incorporation into training regimens.

Linearity assessment between lower limb joint angles and angular accelerations at standard maximum vertical jumps with long-short and no countermovement

Linearity assessment between lower limb joint angles and angular accelerations at standard maximum vertical jumps with long-short and no countermovement

Dataset for experiment 2 of A novel validation approach shows new, solid reasons why vertical jump height should not be used to predict leg power

Jump height continues to be widely used to predict power in humans. Individual progress is often monitored on the basis of estimated power, but prediction equations are based on group data. The objective of the study was to show that vertical jump performance (VJP) and mechanical power are poorly associated, particularly within individuals. Two experiments are presented. First, 52 physically active male college students performed five maximal vertical jumps each. Second, three young male participants performed 50 maximal jumps each. Participants rested for 1 minute between jumps. VJP was calculated from kinematic data as peak body center of mass (BCOM) minus standing BCOM; peak power (PEAKPWR) was calculated from the vertical ground reaction force registered by a force plate, and average power (MEANPWR) during propulsion from the change in potential energy of BCOM. Regression analyses were performed using standardized VJP scores as the predictor variable and standardized power scores as the resulting variables, expecting an identity function of y = x (intercept = 0, slope = 1) and R2 = 1. In experiment 1, the model for zPEAKPWR R2 = 0.9707 (p &lt; 0.0001) but slope (0.3452) ≠ 1 (p &lt; 0.0001). The model for zMEANPWR R2 = 0.9239 (p &lt; 0.0001); nevertheless, slope (0.4257) ≠ 1 (p &lt; 0.0001). In experiment 2, all individual models for zPEAKPWR and zMEANPWR resulted in poor associations (R2 ≤ 0.21) and slopes ≠ 1 (p≤0.001). In conclusion, regression analysis for individuals, and even for groups, confirms that VJP is a poor predictor of mechanical power.

Dataset for experiment 1 of A novel validation approach shows new, solid reasons why vertical jump height should not be used to predict leg power

Jump height continues to be widely used to predict power in humans. Individual progress is often monitored on the basis of estimated power, but prediction equations are based on group data. The objective of the study was to show that vertical jump performance (VJP) and mechanical power are poorly associated, particularly within individuals. Two experiments are presented. First, 52 physically active male college students performed five maximal vertical jumps each. Second, three young male participants performed 50 maximal jumps each. Participants rested for 1 minute between jumps. VJP was calculated from kinematic data as peak body center of mass (BCOM) minus standing BCOM; peak power (PEAKPWR) was calculated from the vertical ground reaction force registered by a force plate, and average power (MEANPWR) during propulsion from the change in potential energy of BCOM. Regression analyses were performed using standardized VJP scores as the predictor variable and standardized power scores as the resulting variables, expecting an identity function of y = x (intercept = 0, slope = 1) and R2 = 1. In experiment 1, the model for zPEAKPWR R2 = 0.9707 (p &lt; 0.0001) but slope (0.3452) ≠ 1 (p &lt; 0.0001). The model for zMEANPWR R2 = 0.9239 (p &lt; 0.0001); nevertheless, slope (0.4257) ≠ 1 (p &lt; 0.0001). In experiment 2, all individual models for zPEAKPWR and zMEANPWR resulted in poor associations (R2 ≤ 0.21) and slopes ≠ 1 (p≤0.001). In conclusion, regression analysis for individuals, and even for groups, confirms that VJP is a poor predictor of mechanical power.

A novel validation approach shows new, solid reasons why vertical jump height should not be used to predict leg power

Jump height continues to be widely used to predict power in humans. Individual progress is often monitored on the basis of estimated power, but prediction equations are based on group data. The objective of the study was to show that vertical jump performance (VJP) and mechanical power are poorly associated, particularly within individuals. Two experiments are presented. First, 52 physically active male college students performed five maximal vertical jumps each. Second, three young male participants performed 50 maximal jumps each. Participants rested for 1 minute between jumps. VJP was calculated from kinematic data as peak body center of mass (BCOM) minus standing BCOM; peak power (PEAKPWR) was calculated from the vertical ground reaction force registered by a force plate, and average power (MEANPWR) during propulsion from the change in potential energy of BCOM. Regression analyses were performed using standardized VJP scores as the predictor variable and standardized power scores as the resulting variables, expecting an identity function of y = x (intercept = 0, slope = 1) and R2 = 1. In experiment 1, the model for zPEAKPWR R2 = 0.9707 (p &lt; 0.0001) but slope (0.3452) ≠ 1 (p &lt; 0.0001). The model for zMEANPWR R2 = 0.9239 (p &lt; 0.0001); nevertheless, slope (0.4257) ≠ 1 (p &lt; 0.0001). In experiment 2, all individual models for zPEAKPWR and zMEANPWR resulted in poor associations (R2 ≤ 0.21) and slopes ≠ 1 (p≤0.001). In conclusion, regression analysis for individuals, and even for groups, confirms that VJP is a poor predictor of mechanical power.

Influence of Fatigue on Cognitive-Motor Function During Unanticipated Landings.

Physical fatigue and cognitive performance have been suggested as risk factors for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and fatigue has also been demonstrated to reduce cognitive processing. The combined effects of fatigue and lower cognitive function during cognitive-challenging movements may increase knee mechanics associated with the ACL injury risk. We hypothesized that (1) knee mechanics would be detrimentally affected by fatigue and associated with baseline cognitive function and (2) fatigue-induced deleterious changes in cognitive performance and knee mechanics would be correlated. Descriptive laboratory study. A total of 22 athletes completed baseline cognitive testing. After performing maximal vertical jumps, they performed a jump-land-jump task based on unanticipated visual cues. Then, they completed a fatigue protocol including countermovement jumps, among other tasks, until the jump height decreased below 90% of their assessed maximum. Immediately after reaching the first fatigue point, they performed another set of jump-landing tasks, followed by repeating the fatigue protocol until the jump height decreased below 85% of their assessed maximum. After reaching the second fatigue point, they performed a final set of jump-landing tasks and repeated the initial cognitive assessment battery. Mixed-effects models revealed that knee flexion decreased through the fatigue protocol (baseline: 61.8°; midpoint: 61.1°; final: 60.1°; P = .003). Stepwise regression showed that fatigue-worsened attentional control corresponded to smaller knee abduction angles (R2adjusted = 51.68%; βstandardized = 1.16; P = .001), and worse reaction time after fatigue correlated with increased knee abduction angles (βstandardized = 0.85; P = .006) after accounting for the role of attentional control. Fatigue induced incremental modifications in sagittal-plane knee mechanics during an unanticipated sports movement. In addition, fatigue induced changes in cognitive function related to ACL injury-relevant knee mechanics. The novel findings regarding fatigue-dependent changes in injury-relevant biomechanics during cognitively challenging movements represent an extension of recent developments in understanding the role of cognition in the ACL injury risk.

Dorsiflexion shoes affect joint-level landing mechanics related to lower extremity injury risk in females

ABSTRACT Athletic shoes that induce dorsiflexion in standing can improve jump height compared to traditional athletic shoes that induce plantarflexion, but it is unknown if dorsiflexion shoes (DF) also affect landing biomechanics associated with lower extremity injury risk. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate if DF adversely affect landing mechanics related to patellofemoral pain and anterior cruciate ligament injury risk compared to neutral (NT) and plantarflexion (PF) shoes. Sixteen females (21.65 ± 4.7 years, 63.69 ± 14.3 kg, 1.60 ± 0.05 m) performed three maximum vertical countermovement jumps in DF (−1.5°), NT (0°) and PF (8°) shoes as 3D kinetics and kinematics were recorded. One-way repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed peak vertical ground reaction force, knee abduction moment and total energy absorption were similar between conditions. At the knee, peak flexion and joint displacement were lower in DF and NT, while relative energy absorption was greater in PF (all p < .01). Conversely, relative ankle energy absorption was greater in DF and NT compared to PF (p < .01). Both DF and NT induce landing patterns that may increase strain on passive structures in the knee, emphasising the need for landing mechanics to be considered when testing footwear as gains in performance could come at the cost of injury risk.

Time passes – healthy habits stay?

Introduction: Because healthy behaviors learned early in life are more likely to be maintained during adulthood, we aimed to investigate longitudinal changes of participants that were regularly involved in extracurricular sport activities (athletes; N = 7; 4 boys) and those that were not (non-athletes, N = 6; 3 boys) Methods: Participants of both groups were invited for re-assessment at the age of 27, in 2019, 12 years after they participated in a 5-year longitudinal study as adolescents (9–14 years of age, in the period 2001‒07). We investigated vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) contractile properties (tensiomyography), maximal running speed (photocells), anthropometric measures (bioimpedance), maximal vertical jumping height (squat and countermovement jumps on a ground reaction force plate), and lifestyle characteristics (GPAQ and EHIS surveys). Results: Based on Cohen’s d effect size we found that athletes have lower body mass index, higher maximal running speed, better maximal vertical jumping height, and shorter BF contraction time, not found in VL, compared to non-athletes. Furthermore, athletes also exhibit healthier lifestyle characteristics such as lower sedentary time and higher daily energy expenditure than non-athletes. Athletes follow diet regimens consisting of more regular meals with more protein and indulge less in health-risk behavior (smoking and alcohol consumption). However, the self-perception of health and quality of life was lower in athletes than in non-athletes. Conclusion: EU regulations and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemics prevented us from conducting a study on a more representative sample. Nevertheless, we could confirm that regular sport participation yields better physical performance and a healthier lifestyle but could also have a negative impact on health (injuries) and quality of life.

Examining the intrinsic foot muscles’ capacity to modulate plantar flexor gearing and ankle joint contributions to propulsion in vertical jumping

BackgroundDuring human locomotion, a sufficiently stiff foot allows the ankle plantar flexors to generate large propulsive powers. Increasing foot stiffness (e.g., via a carbon plate) increases the ankle's external moment arm in relation to the internal moment arm (i.e., increasing gear ratio), reduces plantar flexor muscles’ shortening velocity, and enhances muscle force production. In contrast, when activation of the foot's intrinsic muscles is impaired, there is a reduction in foot and ankle work and metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness. We speculated that the reduced capacity to actively control metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness may impair the gearing function of the foot at the ankle. MethodsWe used a tibial nerve block to examine the direct effects of the intrinsic foot muscles on ankle joint kinetics, in vivo medial gastrocnemius’ musculotendinous dynamics, and ankle gear ratio on 14 participants during maximal vertical jumping. ResultsUnder the nerve block, the internal ankle plantar flexion moment decreased (p = 0.004) alongside a reduction in external moment arm length (p = 0.021) and ankle joint gear ratio (p = 0.049) when compared to the non-blocked condition. Although medial gastrocnemius muscle–tendon unit and fascicle velocity were not different between conditions, the Achilles tendon was shorter during propulsion in the nerve block condition (p < 0.001). ConclusionIn addition to their known role of regulating the energetic function of the foot, our data indicate that the intrinsic foot muscles also act to optimize ankle joint torque production and leverage during the propulsion phase of vertical jumping.

Analysis of Rate of Force Development as a Vertical Jump Height Predictor

ABSTRACT Purpose: Many researchers and coaches hold that the ability to generate force rapidly is an important factor in athletic performance. This concept is often studied by analyzing the rate of ground reaction force development (RFD) during vertical jumps; however, many such studies disagree on whether estimates of RFD are true predictors of vertical jump height, have limited sample sizes, and have not employed multiple regression analysis. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to assess the utility of RFD as a predictor of vertical jump height. Methods: Forward sequential multiple regression models were performed using kinematic, kinetic, and demographic variables from a database of maximal countermovement vertical jumps collected via motion capture system from 2,258 NCAA Division I athletes. Results: Peak RFD was a significant bivariate predictor of vertical jump height (r = 0.408, p < .001). However, when other variables were included in the prediction model the partial variance in vertical jump height accounted for by peak RFD was nearly eliminated (r = −0.051, β = −0.051), but sex (r = 0.246, β = 0.94) and peak ground reaction force (r = 0.503, β = 1.109) emerged as predictors of partial variance in jump height. Furthermore, mediation analysis revealed the direct effect of peak RFD on vertical jump height was only 0.004. Conclusions: Multiple regression analysis enabled by a large sample size suggests Peak RFD may not be uniquely useful as a predictor of vertical jump height during maximal countermovement jumps.

Effects of Postactivation Potentiation on Maximal Vertical Jump Performance After a Conditioning Contraction in Upper-Body and Lower-Body Muscle Groups.

Downey, RJ, Deprez, DA, and Chilibeck, PD. Effects of postactivation potentiation on maximal vertical jump performance after a conditioning contraction in upper-body and lower-body muscle groups. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 259-261, 2022-Postactivation potentiation (PAP) involves preperformance contractions that can condition a muscle to enhance subsequent force generation and power output. Our purpose was to examine the effects of conditioning contractions that are specific or nonspecific to the target performance on PAP. Resistance-trained subjects (14 males and 10 females) performed a 7-second isometric contraction involving back squat, bench press (as conditioning contractions), or a control condition (rest) on different days in random order, before maximal vertical jump performance. The back squat as a conditioning contraction increased maximal vertical jump by 1.1 ± 3.0 cm (p < 0.05); however, the bench press as a conditioning contraction unexpectedly reduced maximal vertical jump performance by 1.4 ± 2.7 cm (p < 0.05). Conditioning contractions used to elicit a PAP response should use muscles that are specific to the performance movement. Contractions that are not biomechanically similar to the performance movement may hinder subsequent performance.

Choline-Based Multi-Ingredient Supplementation Can Improve Explosive Strength during a Fatiguing Task.

Various choline-based multi-ingredient supplementations (CMS) have been suggested in the current market, but the research is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a CMS on physical performance. Fourteen male college football players (20.4 ± 1.0 years) participated in a randomized double-blind crossover experiment separated by 7 days. Subjects were given a CMS or a placebo 60 min before physical performance testing measures, including maximum vertical jumps, maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC), maximal voluntary concentric contractions (MVCC), and fatiguing contractions. Four MVICs and seven sets of two MVCCs at various loads (1 N·m to 60% MVIC torque) were performed with the knee extensor muscles while seated on a dynamometer before and after the fatiguing tasks. During the fatiguing tasks, 120 MVCCs (4 sets × 30 reps) were performed with a load equivalent to 20% MVIC. Twitch interpolation technique was used to assess muscle contractile properties and voluntary activation. No significant differences were seen at baseline between sessions for all testing measures including vertical jump height, strength, power, muscle contractile properties and voluntary activation. Rate of torque development and impulse was higher in supplemental session compared to control session throughout the fatiguing contractions (p = 0.018, p < 0.001, respectively). Acute CMS can improve explosive strength by delaying the onset of fatigue.

Influence of Muscle Architecture on Maximal Rebounding in Young Boys.

Radnor, JM, Oliver, JL, Waugh, CM, Myer, GD, and Lloyd, RS. Influence of muscle architecture on maximal rebounding in young boys. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3378-3385, 2021-The aims of the current study were to (a) investigate differences in maximal rebound jump kinetics in boys at different stages of maturity and (b) determine the relationship of muscle architecture characteristics to maximal rebound jump kinetics. One hundred twenty-seven male, secondary school children were categorized into maturity groups (pre-, circa-, and post-peak height velocity) based on their maturity offset value. Muscle architecture of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and vastus lateralis (VL) was evaluated at rest using B-mode ultrasonography. Subjects then performed maximal rebound jumps quantified on a force platform. There were moderate to large differences across all maturity groups for peak ground reaction force, impulse measures, and average power variables (d = 0.73-2.67; p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius medialis and VL muscle thickness explained between 38.5 and 55.8% of the variance in peak force, impulse, and power variables; however, muscle architecture was less important determinant of contact time, jump height, reactive strength index, rate of force development, eccentric velocity, concentric velocity, and allometrically scaled measures (3.3-17.2%). The current results indicate that most kinetics used during maximal vertical rebounding are greater in more mature boys. Furthermore, maturational increases in GM muscle architecture seem important for maximal vertical jumping and are specifically associated with increased force, power, and impulse measures. Practically, these findings may underline benefits in targeting resistance training activities that are focused to increase lower limb muscle mass to positively influence maximal rebounding kinetics in young boys.

Biomechanics of Rotational Movement in Off-Ice Figure Skating Jumps: Applications to Training

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to characterize kinematic parameters of the rotational body movement during the office figure skating multi-revolution jumping exercise and to propose applications to training. Material and Methods Six elite Polish female junior singles figure skaters were examined performing single and their respective maximum total rotation vertical jumps in off-ice conditions. Measurements of the ground reaction force were performed with a KISTLER (500 Hz) piezoelectric sensor platform with BioWare Software, synchronized with the cinematographic analysis using the Vicon T-Series motion capture system. Results The analysis revealed positive linear relations between selected jump parameters of the pre-take-off phase and after the landing. Two moments of countering torque were also noticed: the first in the landing phase, and the second before reaching the stabilized position. Conclusions Applications of the findings for off-ice training were discussed.

Acute Local Cooling to the Lower Body during Recovery Does Not Improve Repeated Vertical Jump Performance.

BACKGROUND: Local cooling, or cryotherapy, has received attention due to its effects on athlete recovery before or after strenuous exercise. This study seeks to verify the effectiveness of 3 min applications of acute local cooling to the lower extremities between sets of a repeated vertical jump exercise. METHODS: Using a randomized crossover design, twelve subjects performed a total of 3 sets of 30 consecutive maximal vertical jumps and were allowed a recovery period of 5 min after each set. In the recovery period, subjects rested with or without a cooling suit worn on their lower legs. Changes in heart rate, blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion were assessed. RESULTS: Vertical jump performance steadily decreased during 30 consecutive vertical jumps in all 3 sets; however, no differences in jump performance were observed among the groups. Heart rate, blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion tended to be lower in the cooling recovery group relative to the control group. CONCLUSION: The current study provides evidence that acute local cooling recovery after a vertical jump exercise may not add any performance benefits but may provide a psychological benefit. The effectiveness of acute local cooling in other functional performances should be addressed in further research.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on the psychomotor, cognitive, and motor performances of power athletes

In sports science, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has many unknown effects on neuromuscular, psychomotor and cognitive aspects. Particularly, its impact on power performances remains poorly investigated. Eighteen healthy young males, all trained in a jumping sport (parkour) performed three experimental sessions: anodal tDCS applied either on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC, cathode in supraorbital area) or on the primary motor cortex (M1, cathode on contralateral shoulder), and a placebo condition (SHAM), each applied for 20 min at 2 mA. Pre and post, maximal vertical and horizontal jumps were performed, associated to leg neuromuscular assessment through electromyography and peripheral nerve stimulations. Actual and imagined pointing tasks were also performed to evaluate fine motor skills, and a full battery of cognitive and psychomotor tests was administered. M1 tDCS improved jump performance accompanied by an increase in supraspinal and spinal excitabilities. dlPFC stimulation only impacted the pointing tasks. No effect on cognitive tests was found for any of the tDCS conditions. To conclude, the type of performance (maximal versus accurate) affected depended upon the tDCS montage. Finally, athletes responded well to tDCS for motor performance while results to cognitive tests seemed unaffected, at least when implemented with the present rationale.

Relationship Between Maximum Strength and Vertical Jump Performance in Junior Speed Skaters

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between back squat maximal strength, maximal isometric force, jump squat and countermovement jump and whether power training improves parameters mentioned above in well-trained speed skaters. Sixteen athletes devided in two groups, performed two maximal squat strength test and two vertical jump test before and after the intervention program. Absolute strength showed a strong correlation with squat jump height (r = 0.762, p &lt; 0.001) and countermovement jump height (r = 0.760, p &lt; 0.001) but also between maximal isometric force and squat jump (r = 0.418, p = 0.036). Percentage change within the experiment group were significantly different from pre to post intervention for each parameter tested in the order described, respectively: 14%; 16.8%; 14.9%; 9.1%. These results suggest that jump squat training can improve several athletic performances developing high levels of lower body strength to enhance jump performance.