Acute Effects of Different Postactivation Potentiation Protocols on Traditional Rowing Performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is an acute enhancement in muscle power and performance following maximal or submaximal muscular activation.
• Understanding optimal PAP protocols is crucial for improving athletic performance in explosive activities like rowing.
• Different conditioning contraction types may influence the magnitude and transferability of PAP effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of two distinct PAP protocols on rowing performance.
• To determine if PAP induced by maximal conditioning contractions (MCC) on a rowing ergometer or maximal strength contractions (MSC) in strength exercises yields superior results.
• To evaluate the efficacy of PAP as a strategy to enhance performance during the critical start phase of rowing races.

Main Methods:

• A crossover design study involving seven competitive rowers.
• Two PAP protocols were tested: PAP MCC directly on a rowing ergometer and PAP MSC using half squat and bench pull exercises.
• Performance was assessed via a 20-second 'all-out' rowing test, with statistical analysis using Student's t-test and Cohen's d for effect size.

Main Results:

• The PAP MCC protocol demonstrated significant improvements in average power output (p = 0.034, d = 0.98) during the initial 3 and 5 strokes.
• Rowers using the PAP MCC protocol achieved a greater total number of strokes (p = 0.049, d = 2.29) and higher stroke rate (p = 0.046, d = 1.15).
• No significant differences were reported for the PAP MSC protocol, suggesting limited transferability to rowing performance.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating maximal conditioning contractions directly on the rowing ergometer as part of a warm-up is an effective strategy to induce PAP.
• PAP MCC significantly enhances subsequent rowing sprint performance, particularly in the initial explosive phase.
• This potentiation strategy is advisable for rowers aiming to maximize performance at the start of competitions and sprint regattas.