Maximum power training load determination and its effects on load-power relationship, maximum strength, and vertical jump performance

Ilias Smilios, Konstantinos Sotiropoulos, Marios Christou, Helen Douda, Aggelos Spaias, Savvas P. Tokmakidis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examines the changes in maximum strength, vertical jump performance, and the load-velocity and load-power relationship after a resistance training period using a heavy load and an individual load that maximizes mechanical power output with and without including body mass in power calculations. Forty-three moderately trained men (age: 22.7 6 2.5 years) were separated into 4 groups, 2 groups of maximum power, 1 where body mass was not included in the calculations of the load that maximizes mechanical power (Pmax 2 bw, n = 11) and another where body mass was included in the calculations (Pmax + bw, n = 9), a high load group (HL-90%, n = 12), and a control group (C, n = 11). The subjects performed 4-6 sets of jump squat and the repeated-jump exercises for 6 weeks. For the jump squat, the HL-90% group performed 3 repetitions at each set with a load of 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM), the Pmax 2 bw group 5 repetitions with loads 48-58% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw 8 repetitions with loads 20-37% of 1RM. For the repeated jump, all the groups performed 6 repetitions at each set. All training groups improved (p < 0.05) maximum strength in the semisquat exercise (HL-90%: 15.2 ± 7.1, Pmax 2 bw: 6.6 ± 4.7, Pmax + bw: 6.9 ± 7.1, and C: 0 6 4.3%) and the HL-90% group presented higher values (p < 0.05) than the other groups did. All training groups improved similarly (p < 0.05) squat (HL-90%: 11.7 6 7.9, Pmax 2 bw: 14.5 ± 11.8, Pmax + bw: 11.3 ± 7.9, and C: 22.2 ± 5.5%) and countermovement jump height (HL-90%: 8.6 ± 7.9, Pmax 2 bw: 10.9 ± 9.4, Pmax + bw: 8.8 ± 4.3, and C: 0.4 ± 6%). The HL-90% and the Pmax 2 bw group increased (p < 0.05) power output at loads of 20, 35, 50, 65, and 80% of 1RM and the Pmax + bw group at loads of 20 and 35% of 1RM. The inclusion or not of body mass to determine the load that maximizes mechanical power output affects the long-term adaptations differently in the load-power relationship. Thus, training load selection will depend on the required adaptations. However, the use of heavy loads causes greater overall neuromuscular adaptations in moderately trained individuals.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1223-1233
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Strength and Conditioning Research
Volume27
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • Muscle power
  • Power training
  • Squat jump
  • Strength training

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