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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Published on: September 13, 2015

Postactivation potentiation: upper body force development changes after maximal force intervention.

Jean Farup¹, Henrik Sørensen

¹Department of Sport Science, University of Aarhus, Arhus, Denmark. jean@sport.au.dk

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

|June 15, 2010

Summary

Maximal intensity bench press interventions do not enhance postactivation potentiation in the upper body, showing decreased force development. Coaches should avoid maximal resistance for potentiation until further research is available.

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Area of Science:

Sports Science
Exercise Physiology
Neuromuscular Function

Background:

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon where a preceding contraction can enhance subsequent muscular performance.
While PAP has been studied for improving rate of force development (RFD) and maximal power (Pmax), optimal intervention protocols remain unclear.
Maximal intensity protocols (e.g., 1 repetition maximum) have shown promise in lower body studies but lack investigation in the upper body.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of a maximal intensity bench press intervention on upper body force development characteristics.
To determine if a 5x 1RM bench press protocol can elicit postactivation potentiation in strength-trained athletes.
To compare upper body PAP responses to previously observed lower body responses.

Main Methods:

Eight strength-trained male athletes participated in the study.
An intervention protocol involved 5 repetitions at 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the bench press.
Measurements of isometric RFD (iRFD) and Pmax were taken before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

A significant decrease in isometric RFD was observed after the maximal intensity intervention.
No significant changes were found in maximal power (Pmax) pre- to post-intervention.
These findings contrast with positive results seen in lower body studies using similar maximal protocols.

Conclusions:

Maximal intensity resistance exercise is not warranted to elicit postactivation potentiation in the upper body.
The differing results between upper and lower body PAP may be due to variations in muscle activation or physiological responses.
Practical implications suggest caution for coaches and athletes when using maximal resistance to induce potentiation in upper body training.