Effect Of Counter-Movement Frequency On Performance in a Single Joint Maximal Jumping Task

Optimal performance in a maximal jumping task occurs when a countermovement is utilized prior to the concentric phase of the movement. Performance augmentation results from the near isometric behavior of the fascicles and storage of elastic energy in tendon structures. Furthermore, it has been suggested that stretch shortening cycle (SSC) tasks should be performed at resonant frequency for optimal performance and mechanical efficiency in both cyclical and maximal SSC tasks. We aimed to determine if performing a counter-movement at resonant frequency results in optimal SSC performance. In addition, we aimed to examine muscle-tendon length changes during maximal hops to examine if higher contribution of tendon length to total MTU length effects performance in a maximal height hop. Higher contribution of tendon length to total MTU length change should optimize elastic storage and augment performance in a maximal SSC task.