Jump squat as ergogenic aid through post-activation potentiation on horizontal and vertical jumping performance of untrained collegiate students

This study addresses research gaps by examining post-activation potentiation (PAP) effects on untrained collegiate students using diverse plyometric exercises. It evaluates the efficacy of jump squats as a physiological ergogenic aid, comparing bodyweight and externally loaded (10% body mass) jump squats on horizontal and vertical jumping performance in unilateral and bilateral variations. The study involved 76 untrained collegiate students (Female = 24, Male = 52) selected via purposive sampling, utilizing a quasi-experimental design. Vertical jump tests, single-leg vertical jump tests, standing broad jump tests, and single-leg broad jump tests measured performance pre- and post-intervention. Participants were divided into three groups: Group 1 (Female = 6, Male = 12) served as the control with no PAP protocol, Group 2 (Female = 10, Male = 15) performed 5x3 bodyweight jump squats, and Group 3 (Female = 8, Male = 18) performed 5x3 jump squats with 10% external load. Data analysis used paired t-tests and ANOVA. Results showed Group 1 improved only in bilateral vertical jump performance (pre-test: 50.48±11.57 cm, post-test: 53.84±11.52 cm, t = 2.25, p < .05). Group 2 exhibited no significant improvements in vertical or horizontal jumps. Group 3 improved bilateral vertical jump performance (pre-test: 53.81±15.41 cm, post-test: 59.12±15.03 cm, t = 4.12, p = .00). No significant horizontal jump improvements were observed across groups, and differences between groups were statistically insignificant. The findings suggest limited PAP effects on horizontal performance and emphasize the need for exercise patterns matching specific fitness or sports skills to enhance vertical performance. Recommendations include replicating the study for validation, refining data collection procedures, exploring other PAP protocols, and identifying optimal external loads for jump squats to maximize potentiation effects.