Post Flywheel Squat Potentiation of Vertical and Horizontal Ground Reaction Force Parameters during Jumps and Changes of Direction

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to determine the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of vertical and horizontal ground reaction force parameters during jumps and change of direction following flywheel squat exercise using two different flywheel inertias. (2) Methods: Eleven male athletes performed a countermovement jump (CMJ), standing broad jump (SBJ), and “modified 505” change of direction (COD) in a control condition and 6 minutes following three sets of six repetitions of flywheel half squats at one of two inertias (0.029 kg·m2 and 0.061 kg·m2). Peak directional ground reaction force, power, and rate of force development were calculated for each test. (3) Results: Higher inertia flywheel squats were able to acutely enhance CMJ peak vertical force (Bayes Factor (BF10) = 33.5, very strong; δ = 1.66; CI: 0.67, 2.70), whereas lower inertia flywheel squats were able to acutely enhance CMJ peak vertical power (BF10 = 3.65, moderate; δ = 0.93; CI: 0.11, 1.88). The vertical squat exercise induced no PAPE effect on resultant SBJ or horizontal COD ground reaction force parameters, nor were any differences observed between the inertias. (4) Conclusions: Researchers and practitioners should consider the kinetic and kinematic correspondence of a pre-load stimulus to the subsequent sport-specific activity (i.e., flywheel squat to CMJ).

Flywheel Training Periodization in Team Sports

“…Over the last decade, flywheel training has widely shown its usefulness to promote muscular hypertrophy and strength gains (Maroto-Izquierdo et al, 2017b ; Nuñez and Sáez de Villarreal, 2017 ), alongside improvements in actions related to sports performance such as sprinting, jumping and changes of direction (Beato et al, 2019a ; McErlain-Naylor and Beato, 2021a ; Raya-González et al, 2021c ). In addition, flywheel training has shown promising results for both rehabilitation (Romero-Rodriguez et al, 2011 ) and injury prevention purposes (Askling et al, 2003 ; de Hoyo et al, 2015 ; Beato et al, 2021 ).…”

Post-Isometric Back Squat Performance Enhancement of Squat and Countermovement Jump

“…Therefore, the Cas used as a part of a pre-competition or pre-training warm-up should involve the same muscle groups that will be involved in the subsequent training task. Recent studies indicate that the requirements for exercise similarity may be greater than it seems, and such variables as a range of motion [6][7][8], force vector [9][10][11], muscle contraction type, or utilization of the stretch and shortening cycle (SSC) [12][13][14][15] may have a significant impact on the magnitude of the PAPE effect. In addition, the PAPE response is determined by the volume and intensity of the CA [1] and warm-up [16], the rest interval within the complex [17], as well as the individual characteristics of the athlete (i.e., strength level) [18].…”

Load Quantification and Testing Using Flywheel Devices in Sports

“…For such a reason, the first mechanical gravity independent device was developed to overcome these limitations, allowing crews to train in microgravity situations and limiting the deleterious effects of space flights (Berg and Tesch, 1994). After the first pioneering studies, sport scientists and later on, practitioners, understood the advantages offered by flywheel technology and they started to use it for training purposes such as performance development, injury prevention, and clinical rehabilitation (Askling et al, 2003;Tous-Fajardo et al, 2006;Tesch et al, 2017;Allen et al, 2021;Mcerlain-Naylor and Beato, 2021).…”