Authors
Eric M. Scudamore, Middle Tennessee State University
Jordan B. Lowe, University of North Alabama
Veronika Přibyslavská, Middle Tennessee State University
Samantha L. Johnson, Middle Tennessee State University
Mary C. Stevenson, University of North Alabama
Tyler W. Langford, University of North Alabama
James M. Green, University of North Alabama
Eric K. O’Neal, University of North Alabama
International Journal of Exercise Science 9(2): 149-158, 2016.
DOI: 10.70252/KYCJ3574
Abstract
This study examined the effects of a non-traditional training method, hypergravity training (HT), on anaerobic performance. Highly active men (n = 9) completed a 3 week HT protocol in which weighted vests were worn 8 h/day, 4+ days/week separate from training. Vest loads were 11.2 ± 0.6% of body mass during week one, and increased to 13.2 ± 0.7% (week 2), and 16.1 ± 0.4% (week 3). Performance testing included power clean 1-RM (PC), counter movement jumps, 4 continuous jumps, 36.6 m sprints (SP), a 137.2 m short shuttle run (SSR), and a 274.3 m long shuttle run (LSR). A 3 week non-hypergravity training period (NHT) proceeded HT. Baseline SP improved from 4.69 ± 0.29 s to 4.58 ± 0.22 s post-treatment, and regressed after NHT (4.69 ± 0.24 s) (p = 0.006, ES = 1.80). Improvements in SSR (p = 0.012, ES = 1.71) occurred from baseline (26.7 ± 1.5 s) to post-treatment (26.2 ± 1.4 s), followed by a return to near-baseline values (26.9 ± 1.8 s). Jumping tasks displayed similar trends, but no statistical differences and modest effect sizes (0.51 – 0.62) were found except for improved ground contact time during repeated jumps post-HT (ES = 2.26). PC and LSR performances did not improve. Three weeks of HT significantly enhanced short running task performances and decreased ground contact time between 4 continuous jumps. HT may be incorporated into training programs prior to key points in an athletic season without hindering the quality of regular training session activities.
Recommended Citation
Scudamore, Eric M.; Lowe, Jordan B.; Přibyslavská, Veronika; Johnson, Samantha L.; Stevenson, Mary C.; Langford, Tyler W.; Green, James M.; and O’Neal, Eric K. (2016) “Three Week Hypergravity Training Intervention Decreases Ground Contact Time During Repeated Jumping and Improves Sprinting and Shuttle Running Performance,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 9 : Iss. 2, Pages 149 – 158.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/KYCJ3574