Drop jumps versus sled towing and their effects on repeated sprint ability in young basketball players

Abstract

Background The aim of the investigation was to compare the occurrence of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) after drop jumps, or heavy sled towing, and the subsequent effect on repeated sprint ability (RSA). Methods Ten young basketball players (17 ± 1 yrs) performed, in randomized order, RSA test with changes of direction after a standardized warm up followed by drop jumps, heavy sled towing, or no exercise (control condition). Neuromuscular assessments composed of two maximal voluntary contractions of the knee extensors, peripheral nerve stimulation, and surface electromyography (EMG), responses were recorded before and immediately after the RSA. The EMG signal of leg muscles during sprinting were also recorded as well as the blood lactate concentration. Results The drop jumps improved the RSA mean time (P = 0.033), total time (P = 0.031), and slowest time (P = 0.029) compared to control condition, while heavy sled towing did not change RSA outcomes (P > 0.05). All conditions exhibited a decrease of doublet high frequency stimulation force (pre-post measurement) (P = 0.023) and voluntary activation (P = 0.041), evidencing the occurrence from peripheral and central components of fatigue after RSA, respectively, but no difference was evident between-conditions. There was a significantly greater EMG activity during sprints for the biceps femoris after drop jumps, only when compared to control condition (P = 0.013). Conclusion Repeated drop jumps were effective to induce PAPE in the form of RSA, while heavy sled towing had no effect on RSA performance in young basketball players. Furthermore, both conditioning activities exhibited similar levels of fatigue following the RSA protocol. Thus, drop jumps may be used as an alternative to induce PAPE and thus improve performance during sprints in young male basketball players.

Basketbolcularda Farklı Tekniklerdeki Sıçrama Performansı ile Sprint ve Çeviklik Arasındaki İlişki

“…The criteria for inclusion in the study were to being a competetive male basketball player, basketball experience of at least three years, and not to use any kind of ergogenic substance (e.g., creatine, caffeine). The exclusion criteria were, any lower-extremity operation in the last two years, the inability to attend in team basketball training, and musculoskeletal injury in the past six months (Zagatto et al, 2022).…”

Complex Network Analysis of Back Squats Pre-Activation on Parameters of a 3-minute All-out Test in Recreational Runners

“…PAPE can promote a positive balance between fatigue and the potentiated state of the rate of force development (RFD) during efforts that depend on output power 8 . The enhancement in performance was veri ed in jumping 9 , cycling 10 , rowing 11 , running sprints (20-60m) 12,13 , and prolonged resistance efforts 14 . PAPE effect may differ according to the CA protocol, the recovery time, biomechanical speci city, and training level (with the recommendation of individualized loads).…”

Does the sequence of plyometric and dynamic stretching exercises influence subsequent sprint performance? A randomized crossover intervention study

“…To promote PAPE, various types of conditioning activities (CAs) have been used, including traditional strength exercises [ 7 ], eccentric loading exercises [ 8 ], ballistic exercises [ 9 ] and sled towing [ 10 ], with the possibility of combining these exercises in different sequences [ 11 ]. However, some of these activities require the use of additional equipment, including supports, bars, etc., thus making them difficult to use in a competitive environment.…”