Effects of Power Output Utilizing Post-Activation Potentiation versus Static Stretching on the Vertical Jump

The purpose of this study was to measure power output of the vertical jump after a static stretch versus post-activation potentiation without stretching. Six males (24.8 ± 4.3 years old) were tested using three different protocols; non-stretch (NS) with a 5RM back squat test, static stretch (SS), and post-activation potentiation (PAP). Mean and peak power output (W) were calculated using the Lewis, Sayers, Harman, and Johnson & Bahamonde formulas. An increase in jump height and power was observed in both the SS and PAP (1685.0 ± 260.4 W and 1713. 2 ± 257.4 W) protocols from the baseline NS (1647.2 ± 267.4 W) protocol. Stretch-induced impairments were not observed in the current study. PAP was shown to increase power output from baseline testing (p= 0.0001). It can be concluded that SS and PAP have a positive affect on athletic performance and should be studied further