Examining the impact of contrast training protocols on vertical jump ability in varsity basketball players by inducing post-activation performance enhancement

Abstract

Contrast training (CT) is a unique exercise approach that leverages post-activation potentiation (PAP) by integrating heavy and light loads while maintaining identical movement patterns within a single strength training. Objective: This study aimed to explore and compare the effects of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) using different contrast training protocols on vertical jumping performance. Methodology: Thirteen male varsity basketball players participating in this study were assigned in a counterbalanced randomized order to three contrast exercise sequences. Each protocol involved three distinct exercises: barbell back squat (BS) at 80% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM), weighted jump squat (WJ) at 20% 1RM, and bandassisted jump squat (BA) at 20 ± 5% of body-weight reduction (BWR). The contrast training 1 (CT1) involved 6 repetitions (reps) of BS followed by 12 reps of WJ. Contrast training 2 (CT2) consisted of 6 reps of BS followed by 12 reps of BA. Contrast training 3 (CT3) comprised three exercises: 6 reps of BS followed by 6 reps of WJ and 6 reps of BA. Peak power output (PPO), peak vertical ground reaction force (PVGRF), and peak barbell velocity (PBV) were assessed immediately following each CT program. Results: PBV and PVGRF significantly increased after CT1, CT2, and CT3 (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed among the various contrast exercise conditions (p> 0.05). There were no significant differences in PPO immediately after the CT trial across the three conditions and between pre–post assessments (p > 0.05). Notably, significant differences in PBV were found among the three conditions (p < 0.02, partial η2 = 0.63). Post-hoc analysis revealed that the PBV of CT2 was significantly better than that of CT1 and CT3. Conclusion: Our results indicate that CT is an effective method for enhancing jumping performance through the use of PAP during the preload exercise. The most significant improvement in jumping performance was observed with the combination of high-load resistance training followed by band-assisted jump squats. Therefore, coaches and athletes are encouraged to incorporate the CT method to enhance the jumping performance of basketball players.