The effects of two traditional and post-activation potentiation warm-up methods on ground reaction forces during squat-jump

Background and Aim: A proper warm-up method can be used as a strategy to improve performance of athletes in various sport fields. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of traditional and post-activation potentiation warm-up methods on ground reaction forces during squat jump. Materials and Methods: Fourteen trained male athletes (age=26.5±3.64 years, weight=70±10.65 kg, height=180 ± 8.39 cm) participated voluntarily in this study. Athletes randomly performed three different warm-up protocols on three separate days: typical traditional warm-up method, static and dynamic post-activation potentiation implementing half-squat at 90% 1RM. After performing the warm-up protocols, the subjects completed squat jump test on a force platform in order to assess ground reaction forces. Results: In the jumping and landing phases, the peak values of horizontal and vertical ground reaction forces in the traditional warm-up method were significantly lower than those in the static (P=0.001 for both phases) and dynamic (P=0.001 for both phases) PAP warm-up methods. Also, we found a significant difference in the horizontal peak ground reaction force in the jumping phase between the static and dynamic PAP warm-up methods (P=0.003). In addition, significant differences in the vertical jump height and rate of force development (RFD) were observed between the traditional and static PAP warm-up methods (P=0.001 for both methods), between the traditional and dynamic PAP warm-up methods (P=0.001 for both methods), and also between the static and dynamic PAP warm-up methods (P=0.002 and P=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it seems that the PAP warm-up method may have more advantage over traditional warm-up method in order to improve record and performance of the athletes during squat jump movement. Keywords: Warm-up, Ground reaction force, Post-activation potentiation (PAP), Squat jump. Received: Sep 6, 2017 Accepted: Jan 8, 2018