Comparison between traditional resistance exercise and variable resistance with elastic bands in acute vertical jump performance

Abstract

Purpose. Resistance exercise (RE) with variable resistance (VR) may be an interesting strategy to increase strength and power in several sports activities. The present study aimed to compare the effect of RE vs. VR exercise in the back squat on subsequent jump performance at different time points. Methods. Nine male elite handball athletes (age: 21.4 } 2.1 years; body fat percentage: 10.5 } 4.2%) undergoing in-season training participated in the study. They randomly completed 3 sets of 5 back squat repetitions at 85% of predicted one-repetition maximum (1RM) with 3-minute rests between sets. They performed RE back squat alone or VR back squat by combining 55% of 1RM using standard weight plates and 29.7 } 2.0% of the athlete's 1RM in fully erect position (starting position) with elastic band resistance. Countermovement jump (CMJ) test was applied at baseline, immediately after the conditioning activity (within 15 seconds), and every 2 minutes after the protocols (2, 4, 6, and 8 minutes). Results. There was a very large (5.8%, p = 0.02, ES = 1.53) increase in CMJ performance 2 minutes after VR back squat, while no significant changes were observed after the completion of RE back squat. Moreover, there was a large (p = 0.04, ES = 1.27) increase in peak power after VR exercise. Conclusions. CMJ performance and peak power output can be potentiated after 2 minutes of recovery following the completion of back squat exercise combining RE plus elastic bands, reinforcing the practical applicability of VR exercise.