The Acute Effects of Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Concentric-Only Half-Squats on Squat Jump

210 Pages·2015·2.96 MB·English

East Tennessee State University
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8-2015
The Acute Effects of Ballistic and Non-Ballistic
Concentric-Only Half-Squats on Squat Jump
Performance
Timothy J. Suchomel
East Tennessee State University
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Suchomel, Timothy J., "The Acute Effects of Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Concentric-Only Half-Squats on Squat Jump Performance"
(2015).Electronic Theses and Dissertations.Paper 2533. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2533
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The Acute Effects of Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Concentric-Only Half-Squats on Squat Jump
Performance

_______________________
A dissertation

presented to

the faculty of the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

East Tennessee State University

In partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Physiology and Performance
_______________________
by
Timothy John Suchomel
August 2015
_______________________
Michael H. Stone, PhD, Chair
Kimi Sato, PhD
Brad H. DeWeese, EdD
William P. Ebben, PhD

Keywords: Postactivation Potentiation, Half-Squat, Squat Jump
ABSTRACT

The Acute Effects of Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Concentric-Only Half-Squats on Squat Jump
Performance

by

Timothy J. Suchomel
The purposes of this dissertation were to examine bilateral asymmetry as a factor of
postactivation potentiation, examine and compare the acute effects of ballistic and non-ballistic
concentric-only half-squats on squat jump performance, and compare the potentiation and
temporal profiles of strong and weak subjects following potentiation protocols that included
ballistic and non-ballistic concentric-only half-squats. The following are major findings of the
dissertation. Squat jump performance may be acutely enhanced following ballistic concentric-
only half-squats; however the changes in performance do not appear to be related to bilateral
symmetry. Ballistic concentric-only half-squats acutely improve various squat jump
performance variables at various time intervals; however the changes in performance are not
related to the bilateral symmetry of the subject. Ballistic concentric-only half-squats produced
superior acute potentiation effects with regard to jump height, peak power, and allometrically-
scaled peak power as compared to non-ballistic concentric-only half-squats and a control
protocol. Stronger subjects potentiated earlier and to a greater extent as compared to their
weaker counterparts. This dissertation indicates that bilateral symmetry may not be considered
as an underlying factor affecting postactivation potentiation. However, it is suggested that future
research should continue to investigate the factors that are associated with postactivation
potentiation. The findings of this dissertation also demonstrate the importance of how an
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individual performs a concentric-only squatting motion. By training with ballistic movements, a
greater training stimulus may be achieved as compared to training with non-ballistic movements.
While this dissertation discussed the acute potentiation differences between ballistic and non-
ballistic concentric-only half-squats, longitudinal research is needed to determine if different
training effects result from each training method. This dissertation also supports that notion that
stronger individuals may benefit more with regard to potentiation effects. In order to optimize
performance and realize the greatest potentiation effects, it is recommended that greater levels of
relative strength should be sought. It is suggested that further research is needed on the
longitudinal differences in the potentiation effects an individual can realize based on their
strength levels.

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Copyright 2015 by Timothy J. Suchomel
All Rights Reserved

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DEDICATION
I would like to dedicate this dissertation to my family and friends who have supported me
in my professional and personal life in pursuit of this achievement. I would also like to dedicate
this dissertation to my colleagues within the sport science field.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the following people:
Dr. Michael H. Stone to pursue a degree in sport physiology and performance and for
serving as my dissertation chair
Dr. Kimi Sato for your constant guidance and support during my time at ETSU
Dr. Brad H. DeWeese for your open-mindedness to new ideas and dedication to elite
performance
Dr. William P. Ebben for sparking my initial interest in sport science research and your
continued support
Dr. William A. Sands for your guidance during the dissertation process and your outlook
on the sport science field
My friends and colleagues at East Tennessee State University, from already graduated
and those just starting, I admire your passion for the sport science field. All of you help fuel my
drive and desire to continue the pursuit of excellence within this field. Your friendship and
support is invaluable and I could not have completed this project without you. I wish you the
best of luck in everything you pursue.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………….2
DEDICATION…………………………………………………………………………………….5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………………….6
LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………….10
LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………………...11
Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………….15
Dissertation Purposes…………………………………………………………….20
Operational Definitions…………………………………………………………..20
2. COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LITERATURE…………………………………..23
Underlying Physiological Mechanisms………………………………………….24
Increased Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation…………………………26
Increased Neuromuscular Activation…………………………………….27
Change in Pennation Angle……………………………………………...29
Increased Muscle Stiffness………………………………………………29
Complex Training………………………………………………………………..31
Lower Body Potentiation Protocols……………………………………………...32
Maximal Voluntary Contractions ..............................................................33
Back Squats ................................................................................................38
Half-Squats ................................................................................................43
Quarter-Squats ...........................................................................................46
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Front Squats……………………………………………………………...47
Whole-Body Vibration…………………………………………………...48
Plyometrics………………………………………………………………54
Weightlifting Exercises and Variations………………………………….57
Running and Cycling Protocols………………………………………….59
Throwing Implements……………………………………………………62
Weighted Vests…………………………………………………………..63
Intermittent Exercise……………………………………………………..64
Leg Press…………………………………………………………………66
Miscellaneous Protocols…………………………………………………67
Rest Interval……………………………………………………………………...69
Subject Characteristics…………………………………………………………...74
Stronger vs. Weaker Subjects……………………………………………75
Athletes vs. Non-Athletes………………………………………………..77
Men vs. Women………………………………………………………….78
Muscle Fiber Type and Composition…………………………………….81
Electromyography………………………………………………………………..83
Summary…………………………………………………………………………86
3. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POTENTIATION EFFECTS FOLLOWING
BALLISTIC HALF-SQUATS AND BILATERAL SYMMETRY ..................................89
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………..90
Introduction………………………………………………………………………91
Methods…………………………………………………………………………..93
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Subjects…………………………………………………………………..93
Experimental Design……………………………………………………..93
1RM Back Squat Testing Session………………………………………..94
1RM Concentric-only Half-Squat Testing Session………………………95
Potentiation Testing Session……………………………………………..97
Data and Statistical Analyses…………………………………………….98
Results……………………………………………………………………………99
Discussion………………………………………………………………………102
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………...105
References………………………………………………………………………106
4. POTENTIATION EFFECTS OF HALF-SQUATS PERFORMED IN A BALLISTIC
OR NON-BALLISTIC MANNER ..................................................................................112
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………113
Introduction……………………………………………………………………..114
Methods…………………………………………………………………………116
Subjects…………………………………………………………………116
Procedures………………………………………………………………117
1RM Back Squat Testing Session………………………………117
1RM Concentric-Only Half-Squat Testing Session…………….118
Control Testing Session………………………………………...121
Ballistic and Non-Ballistic Testing Sessions…………………...121
Data and Statistical Analyses…………………………………………...122
Results…………………………………………………………………………..123
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