Plyo-Accentuated
Eccentric Loading
Methods to Enhance
Lower Limb Muscle Power
Matthew J. Handford, MSc,1 Fernando Martı́n Rivera, PhD,2 Sergio Maroto-Izquierdo, PhD,3,4
and Jonathan D. Hughes, PhD1
1
School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, United Kingdom; 2Research Group in
Prevention and Health in Exercise and Sport, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; 3Proporción A, Applied Sports
Science Center, Valladolid, Spain; and 4Department of Health Sciences, European University Miguel de Cervantes,
Valladolid, Spain
ABSTRACT
Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) can
be combined with lower-body power-
based movements to acutely enhance
them; however, currently, there are limited
recommendations for this training
method. AEL can enhance force and
power metrics during its utilization with
lower-body power-based exercises.
When using AEL, exercises should con-
sist of jump squats and countermove-
ment jumps with loading methods
consisting of weight releasors or dumb-
bell hand release. Elastic bands can be
used; however, more research is needed
in this area. External loads ranging from
10–30% of body mass can be used.
Future research needs to investigate
increased eccentric and concentric loads
when using AEL with power-based
movements.
INTRODUCTION
he ability to maximize power dur-
T ing resistance-based training is
desirable by strength and condi-
tioning (S&C) coaches and sought to be
Address correspondence to Matthew J.
Handford, matt_handford@hotmail.co.uk.
54 VOLUME 43 | NUMBER 5 | OCTOBER 2021
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understood by researchers (17,38). Mus-
cular power has a large impact on sports-
playing level determining elite and sube-
lite athletes with the addition of increased
lower-body power having correlations
with sport-specific tasks, such as change
of direction (17,32) and jumping (19).
Jumping-based movements (e.g., plyo-
metrics and ballistic training) have been
shown to enhance lower-body power
development during chronic training
programs (6). However, the acute effects
of this method present some limitations;
during ballistic jump training such as
loaded jump squats, maximal force pro-
duction is achieved with high loads
(27,28), and maximal velocity and power
are achieved during unloaded conditions
(18,27,35). Unless, when using equipment
such as dumbbells or a hexagonal barbell
(hexbar) then peak power can be
achieved from , 20% of 1 repetition
maximum (1RM) (29,35). Subsequently,
weightlifting is seen as a superior training
method because various loads and exer-
cises can be exploited to enhance specific
performance force–velocity
(36,38). Furthermore, the catch phase
profile
during exercises such as the power clean
has been linked to eccentric loading of
the lower limbs and improving
Copyright Ó National Strength and Conditioning Association
absorption qualities (38,39). Although
this method is criticized as being difficult
to learn and also as having a low injury
risk for athletes during the catch phase,
this injury risk can be reduced when only
completing the pulling derivative exer-
cises (13,38). Therefore, scope to establish
other means of eccentric loading exer-
cises during power-based movements is
an area of research that is sought after.
The popularity of eccentric muscle
lengthening as a training means to
improve sports performance (41,49)
and, more specifically, to enhance power
has substantially grown (40). During
eccentric muscle actions, greater forces
and velocities can be achieved when
compared with concentric muscle
actions (8). However, this indicates that
loads lifted during strength training are
limited by the concentric phase. There-
fore, the eccentric phase is not over-
loaded with maximal loads (i.e.,
applying a lower relative load to the
eccentric action), reducing the stimulus
applied during the eccentric phase of
KEY WORDS:
elastic bands; training; jumping; weight
releasers; set configuration
 an exercise (22). Eccentric–concentric
coupling exercises that use a greater
force during the eccentric phase show
larger improvements in areas such as
power when compared with that of
eccentric alone or traditional isoinertial
training (11,30,48), leading to the creation
of training methods to optimize perfor-
mance through eccentric action (21).
Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL)
stands out as an alternative method to
prescribe intensity relative to the force
generation capabilities of eccentric mus-
cle action (41,49). It consists of an
eccentric–concentric coupling action in
which the eccentric load is greater than
the concentric load (40,49). Although,
the loading method should not impact
the natural movement that the exercise
should consist of (26,49).
AEL research has currently investi-
gated the effects of supramaximal loads
(i.e., loads above 100% concentric
1RM) during exercises such as the back
squat and leg press (11,48). The concept
of overloading the eccentric phase of an
eccentric–concentric coupling exercise
can also be combined with power-based
movements such as jumping (2). This
method is referred to as submaximal
AEL as loads are below that of maxi-
mum (,100% of 1RM) (49). Although
the term submaximal does not relate to
the intended training process in which
reduced loads are incorporated to allow
for a maximal effort during power-based
movements such as jumping. Therefore,
from this point forward, submaximal
jumping methods that use AEL will
be referred to as plyo-AEL.
Previous research by Sheppard et al.
(33,34) studied the acute (34) and
chronic (33) effects of holding 2
weighted plates during the eccentric
phase as a means to eccentrically over-
load a vertical jump. This acutely
enhanced vertical force production
(34), and improved subjects’ jump per-
formance in a long-term intervention
study, when compared with a body-
weight (BW) countermovement jump
(CMJ) (33). Elastic bands have also
been used as a plyo-AEL method dur-
ing a CMJ and drop jump (DJ) which,
again, enhanced performance metrics
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
such as force and velocity when com-
pared with a BW CMJ and DJ (1,2). A
recent study of 100 practitioners,
researchers, and S&C coaches provided
their views on eccentric training; the
findings indicated that the individuals
were reluctant to use AEL because of
lack of clear information on how it
should be adequately implemented
(10). Thus, it seems advantageous to
review all current plyo-AEL lower
limb–based research to determine
which loading applications and exercises
achieve a greater response to increasing
the utilization of plyo-AEL. Therefore,
this review aimed to identify current
methods that have been created to allow
for plyo-AEL to be applied during
power-based movements and to analyze
the effects it has on performance. In
addition, this review provides precise
and accurate recommendations to
implement plyo-AEL exercises in
applied settings.
BIOMECHANICS OF
ACCENTUATED ECCENTRIC
LOADING
When AEL is used during an exercise,
the subject will achieve an increase in
force (force 5 mass 3 acceleration) dur-
ing the eccentric phase when compared
with traditional isoinertial training, usu-
ally through an increase in mass (49). It
should be noted that because gravity is
constant (9.81 m$s–2) when at the sea
level if the altitude increases then gravity
can also change. Unloaded and AEL
exercises such as dumbbell release would
fall at the same velocity (velocity 5
distance / time) during the eccentric
phase unless when using resistance
bands (3,8) or any other nongravity
dependent equipment (e.g., pneumatic
resistance) (4). If athletes have an
increased mass or velocity during the
eccentric phase of an exercise, their
momentum (momentum 5 mass 3
velocity) and power (power 5 force 3
velocity) enhance (44); thus, they have to
use higher braking (eccentric) force (i.e.,
eccentric peak force) to slow themselves
to stop. Although, during AEL, the
added mass is released at the end of
the braking phase just before the amor-
tization phase (isometric phase).
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Therefore, the propulsion (concentric)
phase would be applied with a similar
force to the braking phase (26) so long
as subjects can reuse the elastic energy
that is stored during the amortization
phase (49). This is reinforced by the
stretch-shortening cycle definition
(2,45) and Newton’s third law (37,52).
If during AEL, a greater force is achieved
and transferred to the propulsion phase;
this has the potential to acutely enhance
it (49). This is because there would be a
greater initial propulsion force, and the
subject’s mass would be reduced; thus,
force (acceleration), velocity, and,
thereby, power all being enhanced. Fur-
thermore, AEL would likely increase
propulsion force and velocity when com-
pared with a BW jump; as at the begin-
ning of the propulsion phase, there
would be a greater force production.
However, as the subject’s mass is
matched for both AEL and BW propul-
sion phases, there is a greater chance to
increase velocity and force (acceleration)
during AEL methods.
The use of the term “submaximal AEL”
is a construct that warrants discussion.
Although loads used are below maximal
and, therefore, submaximal, this does
not suggest that there is a correlation
between the 2 phenomena. The pur-
pose is for an athlete to perform a max-
imal effort in which lighter loads are
used to ensure that technique and jump
performance are not reduced. It would
be prudent for the term “submaximal
AEL” to be substituted for “plyo-
AEL.” Furthermore, during AEL
involving an aerial phase, if the eccentric
load is too great then this would likely
lead to an increased amortization phase
in which the muscle force would be
reduced (49). This is extremely impor-
tant to avoid during plyometrics as it
would likely decrease performance.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS
OF ACCENTUATED ECCENTRIC
LOADING TRAINING-INDUCED
EFFECTS
Many potential theories have been pro-
posed to explain the AEL functional and
structural training-induced effects. How-
ever, the underpinning mechanisms have
not been fully elucidated (9,11,26). The
55
 Plyo-Accentuated Eccentric Loading
proposed mechanisms are an enhanced
neural drive which is theorized to achieve
a greater concentric force by a faster
eccentric muscle lengthening action,
which could allow for a greater muscle
threshold (49,50) (e.g., type IIx), causing
increased proprioception and enhanced
concentric contraction (26,50). Another
theorized mechanism includes the
enhanced stretch of parallel and series
musculotendinous complex (49). This
mechanism increases stored elastic
energy which stimulates type Ia afferent
nerves, inducing a myotatic reflex (15),
and creates a stronger concentric con-
traction (49,50). In addition, tendons
stretch further which decreases myofi-
brillar displacement, therefore, increasing
force production (26,50). The agonist
muscle assumes a state of force produc-
tion, subsequently allowing for a greater
force production in the early stage of an
exercise (26,49). For an in-depth review
into these mechanisms, please view Wa-
gle et al’s study. (49). In addition, archi-
tectural muscle gearing may contribute to
these greater force production mecha-
nisms because muscle fascicle functions
closer to its optimal length and
angle (31).
THE EFFECTS OF ACCENTUATED
ECCENTRIC LOADING ON
EXERCISE PERFORMANCE
The aforementioned task-specific neural
and physiological adaptations may trans-
fer favorably to sporting activities in
which the stretch-shortening cycle is
involved, and its optimization has a
direct impact on performance (49).
Therefore, the main purpose of applying
plyo-AEL to power-based movements is
to enhance them, whereas research sup-
ports that improvements are made
regarding metrics such as force and
velocity, 2 key aspects of jump training
(Table 1). However, it should be noted,
during the studies of (2,12,23) a CMJ was
performed during the BW jump, and a
jump squat was performed during the
AEL jumps; therefore, depth displace-
ment can affect metrics such as velocity
and power (24). In addition, some studies
found either that AEL did not affect or
reduced performance when compared
with that of the BW trial or loaded trial
56 VOLUME 43 | NUMBER 5 | OCTOBER 2021
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(See Table 1 for specific metric results
during AEL studies).
EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION FOR
PLYO-ACCENTUATED ECCENTRIC
LOADING
During plyo-AEL studies, jumping-
based movements tend to be used;
these typically consist of jump squats
(2,12,23,25) and DJ (1,5) (Table 1).
Caution must be taken with some stud-
ies in which a BW CMJ was compared
with an AEL jump squat (2,12,23).
Therefore, these studies’ jumps will
be classed as jump squats. The incor-
poration of jump squats with AEL
seems advantageous because partici-
pants would complete similar depth
displacements during the jump, and it
can be used for all AEL methods of
application (Figure 1).
A CMJ can be used for AEL providing
that subjects can release the load at their
own accord such as handheld AEL
apparatus as a CMJ depth is dictated to
the athletes’ discretion (19). The incorpo-
ration of weight releasers or band release
method as used by Aboodarda et al. (1,2)
may create technical issues with the jump
technique. Weight releasers are set to
release when subjects reach a certain
depth and a CMJ may interfere with this
process because it is performed to the
subjects’ desired depth. If participants
adopt a stiffer jump strategy (i.e., less
depth displacement) and thus not reach-
ing a sufficient depth, this could result in
the weight releasers not detaching. If
incorporating weight releasers during
CMJs, they must be set to a correct
height, and the S&C practitioner should
highlight to athletes that they must
descend until the weight releasers are
detached. During the study by Aboodar-
da et al. (2), band release was performed
by 2 external individuals which may
cause interference because practitioners
may release the bands at different time
points which would have significant
repercussions on the exercise. Therefore,
this method should not be used for
a CMJ.
Jumps such as the DJ and repeated
jumps are in their own right AEL
because when athletes accelerate
toward the floor during the flight
phase gravity will accelerate their
mass, thus having an increased landing
force. Although AEL loading methods
have also been incorporated with DJs,
(1,5) subjects step off the DJ platform
with the AEL method in use, and on
landing the load is released, and the
movement is completed (1,5) (Fig-
ure 2). On landing from a DJ when
using AEL, any athlete would have
an increased force as opposed to that
of a BW DJ (49). An assumption is that
this method could be effective if ath-
letes’ DJ height is increased because the
higher the drop height, the greater the
force the athlete will exert into the
ground on landing, because there is
more distance for the subject to accel-
erate to the floor (16,42). However,
more research needs to be conducted
into selected DJ heights and AEL loads
to use as previously researched subjects
who obtain a high body mass (BM)
should not perform DJ with high step
off heights (20). If AEL is applied this
would simulate a subject with a greater
mass and thus, may induce severe mus-
cle damage or possible injury. Further-
more, if the AEL load is too high or the
step off height is too high, this can be
detrimental to performance and may
result in reduced performance when
compared with a BW DJ (20,42).
One could assume that if a DJ was
performed from a higher height, this
would simulate a lower height DJ that
was applied with AEL which could be
an argument for its application. How-
ever, at present, there is no research
that prescribes a specific AEL load to
DJ height or the difference between a
higher DJ versus that of an AEL DJ
method. AEL could be combined with
weightlifting and its derivatives, pro-
viding they use a countermovement
such as hang power clean and jump
shrug (38). Weightlifting and its deriv-
atives would add more exercises and
loads that coaches could use to
enhance lower-body power. Although
there has only been one study com-
pleted in this area (14), therefore, more
research needs to investigate this type
of training.
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Table 1
Studies implementing Plyo-accentuated eccentric loading to acutely enhance performance

Study Subjects AEL method Procedure Variables Main results Effect sizea (unloaded vs AEL loaded trials).

Aboodarda 15 trained males Elastic bands 3 3 1 BW Peak power Unloaded 66.41 6 30.31 0.06, 0.54
et al. (2) age 5 22.6 6 attached to CMJ. (W)
5.3 y. harness. Two 20% BM AEL 68.35 6 31.83
external 3 3 1 AEL
jump 30% BM AEL 86.49 6 43.36
practitioners
performed squat. Mean power Unloaded 55.16 6 29.44 0.05, 0.42
the release. Eccentric (W)
phase 20 20% BM AEL 56.43 6 26.31
and 30% of
30% BM AEL 69.38 6 37.41
body mass
(BM). Mean Unloaded 1,523.23 6 259.32 0.17, 0.27
Concentric concentric
phase 0% force (N) 20% BM AEL 1,561.93 6 202.80
of BM. 30% BM AEL 1,585.35 6 202.24
2-min rest
period Peak Unloaded 1829.57 6 283.25 0.03, 0.48
between concentric
sets. force (N) 20% BM AEL 1840.62 6 505.33
30% BM AEL 1947.06 6 205.52
Peak Unloaded 0.36 6 0.16 0.00, 0.32
concentric
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velocity 20% BM AEL 0.36 6 0.17

(m$s–2) 30% BM AEL 0.42 6 0.21
Aboodarda 15 trained males Elastic bands 2 3 1 BW Take off 20 cm Unloaded 2.83 6 0.25 0.04, 0.08
et al. (1). age 5 24.7 6 attached to drop velocity
5.7 y. harness. Two jumps. (m$s–2) 20% AEL 2.82 6 0.26
external 30% AEL 2.81 6 0.25
practitioners 2 3 1 AEL
performed drop 35 cm Unloaded 2.81 6 0.25 0.04, 0.00
the release. jumps.
Eccentric 20% AEL 2.82 6 0.25
phase 20
30% AEL 2.81 6 0.24
and 30% of
BM. 50 cm Unloaded 2.77 6 0.24 0.13, 0.122
Concentric
phase 0% 20% AEL 2.80 6 0.24
of BM. 30% AEL 2.80 6 0.25
Height of
drop jump
20, 35 and
57

50 cm.

(continued)
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Table 1
(continued )
58 VOLUME 43 | NUMBER 5 | OCTOBER 2021

Plyo-Accentuated Eccentric Loading

Bridgeman 12 males age 5 Dumbbells, 1 3 5 BW Jump height Unloaded 0.39, 0.34
et al. (5). 25.4 6 3.5 y. participants drop (m) condition to
released at a jumps. 10 and 30%
certain point. AEL
1 3 5 AEL
drop 20% AEL 0.37, 0.32
jumps. condition to
Eccentric 10 and 30%
phase 10, AEL
20, and
30% of BM.
Concentric
phase 0%
of BM.
Moore 13 resistance Weight 1 3 2 jump Peak velocity 20% AEL 0.14
et al.(26). trained males releasers. squat. (m$s–2)
age 5 22.8 6 50% AEL 0.14
2.9 y. Eccentric
phase 20, 80% AEL 0.05
50 and Peak force (N) 20% AEL 0.01
80% of
1RM. 50% AEL 0.08
Concentric
80% AEL 20.09
phase 30%
of 1RM Peak power 20% AEL 0.02
(during all (W)
jump). 50% AEL 0.00
2.5 min rest 80% AEL 0.14
between
sets.
Sheppard 11 male volleyball Weighted plates, 1 3 2 BW Peak power Unloaded 4,655.9 6 1,034 0.55
et al. (35). athletes age 5 participants block jump (W)
18.9 6 2.6 y. released at a (CMJ with 20 kg AEL 5,095.5 6 455.8
certain point. arm Peak velocity Unloaded 2.8 6 0.4 0.25
swing). (m$s–2)
20 kg AEL 2.9 6 0.4
1 3 2 AEL
block jump Peak force (N) Unloaded 2,181.4 6 419.5 0.19
Eccentric
20 kg AEL 2,265.9 6 455.8
phase 20
kg.
Concentric
phase 0%
of BM.
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Table 1
(continued )
Harrison 16 males age 5 Dumbbells, 135 Flight time (s) Unloaded CMJ 0.558 6 0.056 0.03
et al. (12). 21.3 6 2.8 y participants unloaded
and 13 female released at a CMJ. AEL CMJ 0.560 6 0.074
age 5 25.7 6 certain point. Peak vertical Unloaded CMJ 1760 6 450 0.38
5.4 y. Track and 1 3 5 AEL
jump squat force (N)
field athletes. AEL CMJ 1911 6 346
Eccentric
phase 15 Peak power Unloaded CMJ 3,894 6 791 20.73
kg for (W)
AEL CMJ 3,096 6 1,338
males and
10 kg for
females.
Concentric
load 0% of
BM.
1-min rest
between
repetitions.
Matson 16 female Sandbells, 1 3 3 BW Peak power Unloaded 2,769.30 6 467.32 0.06
et al. (24). athletes age 5 participants CMJ. (W)
20.3 6 1 y. released at 30% AEL 2,795.16 6 443.70
1 3 3 AEL
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certain point. Jump height Unloaded 35.12 6 3.66 20.94

jump
squat. (cm)
30% AEL 31.84 6 3.34
Eccentric
phase
(28.98 6
4.10% of
BM).
Concentric
load 0% of
BM.
1-min rest
between
trials
a
Effect size (ES) statistical analysis was calculated using Cohen’s d (between groups: d 5 M1 - M2/SD pooled), where M1 and M2 are the mean changes (Mpost–Mpre) for each group, and
SDpooled is the pooled SD of changes from each group. Within groups, d 5 MD/SD, where Md is the mean difference from pre-to-post, and SD is the SD of differences between subjects,
which was defined as small, medium, and large for 0.20, 0.50, and 0.80, respectively (7).

1RM 5 one repetition maximum; BW 5 Bodyweight; BM 5 Body Mass; Y 5 Years.

59
 Plyo-Accentuated Eccentric Loading

Figure 1. Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) jump squat dumbbell release method. (A) Beginning of the jump, (B) unweighing
phase, (C) braking phase and release of the AEL load, and (D) propulsion phase.

APPLICATION OF LOAD FOR
PLYO-ACCENTUATED ECCENTRIC
LOADING
Various methods have been used to
apply AEL during jumping-based move-
ments, with positive outcomes (1,2,5,34).
However, there are some potential impli-
cations regarding external load applica-
tion in a practical S&C setting that could
pose an injury risk. A popular method of
applying AEL during jumping-based
tasks is that of dumbbell release
(5,12,23,34). During this method, an ath-
lete holds the dumbbells beside them
with arms fully extended, and athletes
would then perform the braking phase
of the jump. On subjects reaching the
lowest depth of the jump, they would
release the dumbbells so that they landed
on the floor and then complete the pro-
pulsion phase of the jump (12). This
method agrees with the definition of
AEL in which it does not hinder the
movement, and the exercise moves in
a harmonic motion (49). However, this
method is flawed regarding health and
safety; once participants complete the
propulsion phase they are required to
land. If the dumbbells were to fall into
the landing space of the athlete this
could potentially cause an injury if the
athlete lands near or on them. Although,
one way to avoid this is to have athletes
perform the landing phase on a height-
ened box as opposed to landing on the
floor (Figures 2 and 3) or to perform a
horizontal jump (long jump) to avoid this.
Another method to use is that of
weight releasers. This equipment atta-
ches onto the end of a barbell and is
set so when a participant reaches the
bottom of an exercise the weight
releases off the bar, and the movement
is completed (25,48) (Figure 4). Only
one study has viewed the use of weight
releasers during plyo-AEL (25). Her-
mes et al. (14) proved the effects of
weight releasers during a jump shrug
with an Olympic barbell; however,
during the AEL jump 20–80% of BM,
jump height was reduced when com-
pared with an isoinertial barbell jump
shrug. Although one interesting use for
weight releasers could be the incorpo-
ration of hexbar jumps (Figure 4). Hex-
bar jump squats have been established
to acutely enhance power with loads
ranging from 0–20% of 1RM (29,35).
Therefore, with the combination of
hexbar jump squats and weight releas-
ers, this could improve performance in
this exercise and allow for more loads
to be used to enhance areas such as
power, which is a limitation of
jumping-based exercises (Figure 4).

Figure 2. Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) drop jump (DJ) dumbbell release method. (A) Beginning of the jump, (B) step off
phase, (C) landing phase, (D) braking phase and release of the AEL load, and (E) landing phase.

60 VOLUME 43 | NUMBER 5 | OCTOBER 2021

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 Figure 3. Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) countermovement jump (CMJ) band release onto a heighten box. (A) Beginning of
the jump, (B) unweighing phase, (C) braking phase and release of the AEL load, (D) propulsion phase, and (E) landing
phase.

The final method that has been exploited
with AEL is elastic bands (1,2). This
method consists of 2 elastic bands being
attached to a harness and the other ends
anchored by 2 external practitioners who
stand on them (1,2). The athlete would
then proceed with the eccentric phase of
the jump and when the external practi-
tioners deem the athlete has reached the
bottom of the jump the bands are
released and the athlete completes the
jump (1,2). Although this method can
enhance performance (1,2) (Table 1), it
is flawed. First, the release of the AEL
bands is performed by 2 external individ-
uals which is impractical for a S&C prac-
tice. Second, to establish band tension
load, subjects stood on a force plate,
and the bands were stretched until they
achieved the desired load. Finally, the
release could potentially injure the athlete
(whip them); as when the bands are
released, they would recoil back toward
the athlete. Nevertheless, elastic bands
show promise as unlike the weighted
AEL methods, bands could allow for
subjects to accelerate at a faster rate than
gravity because of gravitational pull and
band tension (3,8,51). Therefore, if a
method is created that releases bands
without the need for external practi-
tioners (“band releasers”), this could pose
as a crucial area of research. Alternatively,
practitioners could tie 2 bands to a rigid
object, and the performers could hold the
elastic bands and perform a similar pro-
cedure to that of the dumbbell AEL
method; however, it may be extremely
difficult to quantify band tension
(Figure 5).
EXERCISE LOADING
PARAMETERS
During most plyo-AEL studies, eccentric
loads have not surpassed 30% of BM or
1RM, meaning increased loads from 40
to 90% of BM or 1RM have not been
assessed. Moore et al. (25) is the only
study that viewed both increased eccen-
tric loads and concentric loads (Table 1).
Although, during this study, AEL did not
significantly improve performance in any
metrics assessed. A preliminary study was
provided by Hermes et al. (14) which
assessed increased loads during AEL
jump shrugs; however, as this poster for-
mat only shows jump height metrics
results cannot be analyzed as of yet.
Given that both Moore et al. (25) and
Hermes et al. (14) demonstrated no sig-
nificant difference or reduction in perfor-
mance metrics compared to isoinertial
loads, there is a clear need for research
to enhance understanding and investigate
how applying increased AEL loads dur-
ing different exercises alters outcomes.
At present, no specific load optimizes
performance. One factor could be
most studies analyze either BM or
percentage 1RM; therefore, compar-
isons cannot be made. Although
loads ranging from 10 to 30% of

Figure 4. Example of an accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) hexagonal barbell (hexbar) weight releaser countermovement jump
(CMJ). (A) Weighing phase, (B) unweighing phase, (C) braking phase and release of weight releasers, and (D) flight phase.

61
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 Plyo-Accentuated Eccentric Loading
Figure 5. Accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) countermovement jump (CMJ) which used a hand-held band release method. (A)
Beginning of the jump, (B) unweighing phase, (C) braking phase and release of the AEL load, and (D) propulsion phase.
BM and 1RM lack apparent differ-
ences in performance variables (e.g.,
force and velocity), therefore, these
loads can be used interchangeably
(Table 1). Future research needs to
analyze loads that are over 30% of
BM and 1RM to determine what
effects these have on performance.
In addition, to view the concentric
phase being applied with a greater
load then that of just unloaded
conditions.
SET CONFIGURATION FOR PLYO-
ACCENTUATED ECCENTRIC
LOADING
An implication with plyo-AEL is that
after a repetition is completed, the
AEL method has to be reset, which
could interrupt timings and athletes
during the exercise (50). Wagle et al.
(47,48) implemented a cluster set tech-
nique during AEL back squats when
supramaximal loads were prescribed.
However, the cluster set construct
can be applied to AEL jumps (50).
Cluster sets consist of subjects perform-
ing interset rest periods, where subjects
complete a certain number of reps with
an interleaved period before complet-
ing the same number of reps. This pro-
cess is repeated until the overall set rep
range is completed (43). During
jumping-based exercises, repetitions
are usually completed from 1 to 4 reps
with the addition of sets ranging from 3
to 6 (46). Therefore, if practitioners aim
to perform more than 1 repetition in a
set, then cluster sets should be applied
62 VOLUME 43 | NUMBER 5 | OCTOBER 2021
Copyright © National Strength and Conditioning Association. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
(47,48,50). This process would consist Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding:
of subjects performing 1 repetition of a The authors report no conflicts of interest
plyo-AEL method, on completing the and no source of funding.
jump the subject resets the AEL appa-
ratus. This process can then be
repeated until the selected amount of Matthew J.
reps are completed (50). Handford is a
PhD candidate at
the University of
PRACTICAL APPLICATION Gloucestershire.
Plyo-AEL methods indicate that areas
such as force and velocity can be
enhanced when compared with that
of an unloaded jump. When using
plyo-AEL, the loading strategies
should consist of either one that the
athlete releases at their own accord Jonathan D.
or a method of a weight releasor. Hughes is a
The idea of creating a piece of appara- senior lecturer in
tus that would allow for bands to strength and
release is interesting; therefore, the conditioning and
authors recommend that this should academic course
be researched further. AEL can be leader in MSc
applied to various power-based exer- sports strength
cises; however, it is recommended that and conditioning
jump squats and CMJs are used. DJ at the University
and hexbar AEL jump squats require of Gloucestershire.
further investigation before further rec-
ommendations can be made. More
studies should view the effects of Sergio Maroto-
increasing both eccentric and concen- Izquierdo is a
tric loads during AEL to view the lecturer at the
effects on performance. Cluster sets European Uni-
should be used as a training procedure versity Miguel de
during AEL to allow for a correct Cervantes and a
apparatus set up. With the addition researcher at
of the repetition range to follow suit Proporcio´n A
of that of previous power-based exer- Applied Sports
cise recommendations. Science Centre.

Fernando
Martin-Rivera
is a professor and
researcher at the
Research Group
in Prevention
and Health in
Exercise and
Sports, Univer-
sity of Valen-
cia-Spain.
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