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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Jun 1;18(2):301-315.
eCollection 2019 Jun.

Prior Band-Resisted Squat Jumps Improves Running and Neuromuscular Performance in Middle-Distance Runners

Jonathan L Low  1 , Hamid Ahmadi  1 , Liam P Kelly  2 , Jeffrey Willardson  3 , Daniel Boullosa  4   5 , David G Behm  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Prior Band-Resisted Squat Jumps Improves Running and Neuromuscular Performance in Middle-Distance Runners

Jonathan L Low et al. J Sports Sci Med. .

Abstract

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) conditioning has been reported to increase performance. Most research has examined PAP effects on strength/power activities, whereas the effects on endurance sports are understudied. The aim of this study was to characterize PAP conditioning stimulus effects on a subsequent 5x1 km running trial. A randomized, within subjects, repeated measures study utilized 12 male, endurance-trained athletes, who performed a full warm-up, conditioning exercise intervention (4x5 repetition maximum band-resisted squat jumps) or a control condition prior to a 5x1 km time trial run. Tests were conducted immediately prior to the intervention, after each kilometer, immediately following the 5x1 km run, and at seven and ten minutes post 5 km run. Measures included the interpolated twitch technique (ITT), evoked contractile properties, maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) plantar flexor force, drop jump, rating of perceived exertion, and heart rate. The PAP stimulus reduced the time to complete the run (3.6%; p = 0.07, d = 0.51), and decreased the time to complete kilometer one (8%; d = 1.08, p = 0.014). Jump height (p = 0.02; 9.2%) and reactive strength index (p = 0.035; 16%) increased with PAP. F100 (force produced in the first 100ms of the MVIC) and MVIC force with PAP increased at kilometers 3 (p = 0.04, d=0.84), 4 (p = 0.034, d = 0.29), and 7min post-run (p = 0.03, d = 0.60). Voluntary activation (ITT) increased at 7min post-run (p = 0.04, d = 0.59) with PAP, yet decreased at 7min post-run in the control condition (p = 0.03, d = 0.36). A prior band-resisted squat protocol decreased running time and improved neuromuscular properties in endurance athletes running 5x1 km.

Keywords: Post-activation potentiation; endurance; neuromuscular adaptations; power; running.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Estimated changes in triceps surae maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force means between the control and squat condition. Overall increase noted in the squat condition. * indicates the squat condition value was significantly greater than pre-test. # indicates the squat condition value was significantly greater than the control condition.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Representative graph of force developed in the first 100 milliseconds (F100) at each time point. Evident interaction of changes over time. * indicates the condition value was significantly greater than pre-test.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Estimated changes (as computed by means) noted between the two conditions. Overall decrease can be noted in the control condition. * indicates the squat condition value was significantly greater than pre-test.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Representative graph demonstrating the change in %VA (voluntary activation) over the course of the interventions. Potentiated can be seen at seven and 10 minutes post-run (squats). * indicates the control condition value was significantly lower than pre-test. # indicates the squat condition value was significantly greater than the control condition.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Representative graph demonstrating the changes seen in jump height during the squat and control conditions. Significant changes observed in the squat condition. # indicates the squat condition value was significantly greater than the control condition.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Reactive Strength Index (RSI) means graphed to represent changes over time. * indicates the squat condition value was significantly higher than pre-test.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Total summed times for each participant. Solid underline indicates a decrease in time from control to squat and a dashed underline indicates an increase in time.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
Representative graph demonstrating the changes seen in time to complete each kilometer during the squat and control conditions. * indicates a significant decrease in run time in the squat condition as compared to the control condition. # symbol indicates a significant interaction effect where the control condition run time was higher.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
Heart Rate (bpm) means graphed to represent changes over time and highlights differences between the conditions.
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