‍Purpose: 

To examine the post‐activation potentiation effect of a flywheel squat and barbell back squat on jump performance. 

Methods: 

16 physically active college students participated in this investigation that utilized a randomized and counterbalanced crossover design.  The participants perform 3 sets of 6 reps on either traditional back squats or flywheel squats in the testing sessions.  For both the backs squat and flywheel, a load power profile was performed prior to the testing session to determine which load yielded the highest power output for each individual (optimal power load).  Squat jumps (SJ) height, velocity, and power were measured at baseline and 4, 8, 12 minutes post squat protocols.    

Results: 

SJ height, velocity, and power all showed significant improvements 4 and 8 minutes post flywheel protocol in comparison to the baseline measurements, whereas the traditional protocol showed no changes from baseline across the time points.  Furthermore, the flywheel protocol had a significantly greater effect on all the SJ variables in comparison to the traditional protocol.   

Key takeaways: 

• Performing flywheel squats can and is a superior way to induce a potentiating effect on squat jump performance in comparison to traditional back squats.   

• Flywheel squats can be used prior to competition to enhance performance. Additionally, flywheel squats could be a useful tool to implement during a general warm up and prior to practices and weight training sessions.