Optimal loading for maximal power output during lower-body resistance exercises.
OBJECTIVE
The influence of various loads on power output in the jump squat (JS), squat (S), and power clean (PC) was examined to determine the load that maximizes power output in each lift.


METHODS
Twelve Division I male athletes participated in four testing sessions. The first session involved performing one-repetition maximums (1RM) in the S and PC, followed by three randomized testing sessions involving either the JS, S, or PC. Peak force, velocity, and power were calculated across loads of 0, 12, 27, 42, 56, 71, and 85% of each subject's 1RM in the JS and S and at 10% intervals from 30 to 90% of each subject's 1RM in the PC.


RESULTS
The optimal load for the JS was 0% of 1RM; absolute peak power was significantly lower from the optimal load at 42, 56, 71, and 85% of 1RM (P < or = 0.05), whereas peak power relative to body mass was significantly lower at 27% of 1RM in addition to 42, 56, 71, and 85% of 1RM. Peak power in the S was maximized at 56% of 1RM; however, power was not significantly different across the loading spectrum. The optimal load in the PC occurred at 80% of 1RM. Relative peak power at 80% of 1RM was significantly different from the 30 and 40% of 1RM.


CONCLUSIONS
This investigation indicates that the optimal load for maximal power output occurs at various percentages of 1RM in the JS, S, and PC.
Cormie
Prue
P
Neuromuscular Laboratory, Department of Health, Leisure & Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, USA.
McCaulley
Grant O
GO
Triplett
N Travis
NT
McBride
Jeffrey M
JM
D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*