The acute effect of different half squat set configurations on jump potentiation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of a half squat exercise performed with different set configurations on jump potentiation. Twelve resistance-trained men were evaluated on 3 occasions separated by 48-96 hours. First, they performed a 5 repetitions maximum (5RM) test. Subsequently, they performed in a randomized order 2 sessions: one session with 5RM until failure and the other with the same workload but with 30-second rest intervals between repetitions (i.e., cluster set [CS]). Countermovement jump performance was examined during the second and third sessions for jump height and force-time parameters using a force platform at the following time intervals: before and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 minutes. Separate comparisons for each variable at the different time intervals were analyzed using analysis of variance, effect size, and qualitative inferences. The majority of the parameters improved independently of the time they occurred, except for peak force and vertical stiffness after a set until failure. For peak power, it appears that the cluster treatment resulted in superior potentiation at 1 minute, whereas the 5RM treatment resulted in greater potentiation at 9 minutes. Effect size analysis and qualitative outcomes revealed an improvement in vertical stiffness and a lowering in the depth of the countermovement in CS. There were significant correlations between participants' 5RM relative performance and various force-time parameters only in CS. It appears that a CS induces greater peak power than a 5RM set at 1 minute, although the reverse occurs at 9 minutes. Delayed potentiation associated with the 5RM may be attributed to greater fatigue versus the CS approach. Therefore, it follows that the optimal method for inducing peak power potentiation is dependent on the available time between heavy half squat exercise and the subsequent jump performance.