Effect of stable and unstable loads on post-activation performance enhancement in the countermovement jump

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63750/f390w842

Keywords:

water bag, force-time, jump kinematics, instability training

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the practicality of unstable loads and their effect on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), observed through force time kinematic variables in the countermovement jump (CMJ). Thirty-four collegiate male athletes participated in a randomized crossover experiment. Athletes were randomly assigned to first complete either the 20.4 kg barbell stable (ST) or 20.4 kg water bag unstable (US) load protocol After a 20-minute rest period, the subjects completed the other protocol. Protocols consisted of a baseline jump, two sets of three consecutive jumps with the load, then a second jump to retest. Force plate data were sampled at 1,000 Hz and predetermined landmarks of the force time curve were utilized to calculate key performance indicators. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA with condition (ST, US) and time (pre, post) as independent variables was used to assess outcome variables. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. No significant interaction or condition effects were present in findings (p > .05). Peak and average braking force (p = .001; p < .001 respectively), braking impulse (p < .001), takeoff velocity (p = .005), jump height (p = .006), center of mass (COM) depth (p = .006), and rate of force development (RFD) (p = .009)  were all significantly different between the first and second jump for both ST and US conditions. The results of this study suggest that either stable or unstable loads may produce a PAPE effect, thus increasing the number of modalities available to achieve this outcome.

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Author Biographies

  • Anthony J Campbell, Barton College

    Barton College, USA

  • Charlie R Ottinger, Barton College

    Assistant Professor at Barton College

  • Lauren M Biscardi, Barton College

    Assistant Professor at Barton College

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Published

2025-12-31

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Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

Campbell, A. J., Ottinger, C. R., & Biscardi, L. M. (2025). Effect of stable and unstable loads on post-activation performance enhancement in the countermovement jump. Global Journal of Sport and Exercise Science, 1(2), 111-125. https://doi.org/10.63750/f390w842

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