The effect of countermovement on force production capacity depends on extension velocity: A study of alpine skiers and sprinters

In jumping, countermovement increases net propulsive force and improves performance. We aimed to test whether this countermovement effect is velocity specific and examine the degree to which this varies between athletes, sports or performance levels. Force-velocity profiles were compiled in high-level skiers (N= 23) and sprinters (N= 30), with their performance represented in their overall world ranking and season-best 100 m time, respectively. Different ratios between force-velocity variables were computed from squat and countermovement jumps (smaller = less effect): jump height (CRh ), maximum power (CRP ), force (CRF ), and velocity (CRv ). Countermovement effect differed per velocity (inverse relationship between CRF and CRv, r(s) = -0.74, p< .001), and variation force-velocity profiles with countermovement. Skiers exhibited smaller CRF (r(rb) = -0.675, p< .001), sprinters smaller CRv (r(rb) = 0.426, p= .008), and moderate velocity conditions did not differentiate groups (CRP or CRh, p> .05). 33% of the variance in skiers' performance level was explained by greater maximum force and a lower CRF (i.e., high explosiveness at low-velocities without countermovement), without an association for sprinters. Countermovement effect appears specific to movement velocity, sport and athlete level. Consequently, we advise sports-specific assessment, and potentially training to reduce the countermovement effect per the relevant velocity.

Automated summary

The study found that the countermovement can increase net propulsive force and improve performance during jumping. However, this effect varies between movement velocity, sport type, and athlete level, emphasizing the importance of individualized sports-specific assessment and training to reduce the countermovement effect at relevant velocities.