Effects of resistance training with optimum power load on vertical jump performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training (RT) using optimum power load (OPL) on vertical jump performance in athletes and trained individuals. Conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024591339), the review followed the PICOS strategy for inclusion criteria. A comprehensive search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and BVS between July 10 and 14, 2025, by two independent researchers, with a third resolving discrepancies. No language or publication date filters were applied. The search terms included combinations of “strength training,” “resistance training,” and variations of “optimum power load.” Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the TESTEX and ROB2 tools. Effect sizes were calculated using the difference in means (DM), as all studies measured vertical jump height in the same units, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). From 1421 initial records, 13 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review, and 9 were included in the meta-analysis. Results demonstrated a significant effect in favor of OPL training on countermovement jump (CMJ) height (DM = 2.178 cm; 95% CI: 0.533 to 3.824; p = 0.009) and squat jump (SJ) height (DM = 1.331 cm; 95% CI: 0.423 to 2.240; p = 0.004). RT using OPL showed similar effects to overload prescriptions based on one-repetition maximum (1RM) and plyometric training on vertical jump performance in athletes. In other populations, such as trained men and elite soldiers, positive effects were observed; however, the results should be interpreted with caution.