Suspension Jumps

The video below shows an athlete performing double legged vertical jumps using a suspended assistance device which 'unweights' the jumper.

The reason for wanting to 'unweight' the athlete is because there is research out there to suggest that the greatest power outputs in squat jumping exercises will occur when the level of resistance is slightly less than bodyweight. This appears to be true in all but the most highly trained athletes. Clearly, the only way the level of resistance can be less than bodyweight is by using an assistance device such as the one shown below.



I have previously mentioned my concerns over loaded squat jumps in terms of the additional impact that must be tolerated when landing with the weighted bar. Perhaps this concern is not warranted, since we may be able to acheive greater results simply by performing the same movement without any additional load?

TIM EGERTON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CONSULTANCY