Degree Name
Master of Science in Education
Graduate Program
Kinesiology
Advisor
Olson, Michael W.
Abstract
Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is an induced physical state commonly utilized in training and competition environments. There are a wide variety of methods used to induce PAP but the mechanisms and most effective means specific to the different speed/power events need to be investigated further for the potential of maximizing performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of drop jumps on maximum vertical ground reaction force on the push-off phase after the first touchdown step and its relationship to block start performance. Participants included 3 male and 3 female, Division I collegiate track and field athletes (mean ± SD, age = 20.7 ± 0.47 yrs., height = 168.5 ± 5 cm, mass = 60.9 ± 6.7 kg) who were currently in-season having at least two years of experience with block starts, strength training and plyometrics. Each participant performed two sets of 5 blocks starts under 3 conditions (control, bike and drop jump). Results of a univariate ANOVA indicated no significant difference in mean force between subjects per condition (F 2, 179 =(2.179), p > 0.05). And a post-hoc analysis showed no significant difference in maximum force between the pre and post trials of each condition (F (1, 179) = 1.726, p > 0.05). Although the result of this study did not show any significant difference in maximum vertical force output, further analysis of the data can be done looking into other neuromuscular and kinematic and time variables that may yield different results.