Acute enhancement strategies for countermovement jump performance: a network meta-analysis of different resistance training protocols

Background: Countermovement jump performance is the gold standard for assessing lower limb power, and even minor improvements can significantly enhance performance in sports such as basketball and volleyball. Post-activation potentiation (PAP) and post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) are key mechanisms for acute performance enhancement, but the relative efficacy of different resistance training protocols (such as squats, deadlifts, flywheel training, and leg presses) remains unclear. Objective: To quantify and rank the acute potentiating effects of four resistance training protocols (conventional squats, flywheel squats, deadlifts, and leg presses) on countermovement jump performance through a network meta-analysis, and to explore the optimal load intensity and rest interval for the best resistance training modality. Methods: Six major databases were searched (up to May 2025), and 51 randomized controlled trials (involving 886 athletes) were included. A network meta-analysis within a frequentist framework was conducted, with standardized mean differences (SMD) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) used to assess the efficacy ranking. Subgroup analyses were performed based on load intensity (≥85% 1RM for high intensity,