Resumen de Potentiation Effects of the French Contrast Method on Vertical Jumping Ability
Joseba A. Hernández Preciado, Eneko Baz, Carlos Balsalobre Fernández, David Marchante, Jordan Santos Concejero
This study examined the acute effects of the potentiation protocol known as French Contrast Method on the vertical jumping ability measured using a countermovement jump (CMJ). Thirty-one athletes participated in this study (intervention group n = 17 and control group n = 14). The CMJ height was measured using the iOS application My Jump 2.0 before and after the French Contrast protocol, which consisted of 3 sets of isometric partial squats, drop jumps, dynamic half-squats, and hurdle jumps. The CMJ height improved from its baseline values by 5.1 ± 1.1% (p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = 0.27) after the first set, by 6.8 ± 1.8% (p < 0.001, ES = 0.41) after the second set, and by 8.5 ± 2.9% (p < 0.001, ES = 0.44) after the third set. The maximal potentiation value was an increase of 11 ± 6.3% (p < 0.001). The control group decreased its CMJ height from the baseline levels, reaching a significant decrement of -2.1 ± 1.6% (p = 0.047). These findings suggest that the French Contrast Method is a valid strategy to improve the vertical jumping ability. This method can be used after the warm-up as a conditioning activity to acutely enhance the lower body's force and power production.
