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Sustainability and repeatability of postactivation potentiation
Tristan McLAREN1, Deborah L King2, Gary A Sforzo1
1Department of Exercise and Sports Science, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, USA.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|May 28, 2016
Summary
Postactivation potentiation (PAP) from heavy squats improved sprint times for up to 11 minutes and across three sets. This potentiation effect was repeatable within a single training session for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Investigated the duration and repeatability of postactivation potentiation (PAP) benefits.
- Examined the effects of heavy back squats on repeated sprint times within a single exercise session.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how long postactivation potentiation (PAP) benefits last and if they can be repeated over multiple sets.
- To assess the impact of heavy back squats on repeated sprint performance.
Main Methods:
- Partially randomized, counterbalanced, repeated measures design with 29 NCAA varsity athletes.
- Subjects performed back squats (90% 1RM) followed by sprints, repeated for three sets with 20-minute intervals.
- Sprint times and reaction times (RT) were measured using electronic timing gates.
Main Results:
- Sprint times were significantly faster following PAP compared to the control condition (P<0.05).
- Faster sprint times were observed for the first two to three sprints, but not the fourth, across all sets.
- Postactivation potentiation did not significantly affect reaction time (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
- The postactivation potentiation (PAP) effect on sprint performance lasted up to 11 minutes after heavy squats.
- The PAP benefits were successfully repeated across three sets within the exercise session.
- Findings support the application of PAP by coaches and athletes to enhance performance.
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