The Effects of Bilateral and Unilateral Training on Leg Press Strength and Vertical Jump Height

This investigation assessed the effects of bilateral and unilateral strength training on strength and power development, as measured by uni- and bi-lateral 3-repetition maximum leg press and vertical jump tests, respectively. 14 college-aged participants were randomized into either bilateral or unilateral training conditions. The participants engaged in biweekly strength training sessions for a period of 4 weeks, with strength and power pre- and post-testing in the weeks immediately before and after the training protocol, respectively. There was no significant (F = 0.98, p = 0.33) main effect of condition for vertical jump height. There was no significant (F = 2.48, p = 0.13) main effect of condition for 1RM bilateral strength. There was no significant (F = 1.86, p = 0.19) main effect of condition for 1RM unilateral strength between both right and left legs. While our investigation yielded no significant results, there may be reason to further investigate this area of research, due to professionals wanting to develop weight training protocols for the athletic and/or injured populations to facilitate greater improvements in performance and/or quicker recovery from injuries.