Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) using a vertical jump to improve vertical jump performance.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) describes the acute improvement in strength, power, and speed following high-intensity exercise.
• This study investigated the PAPE effect on maximal vertical jump (VJ) performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the PAPE effect of two maximal VJs versus a multiple jump (MJ) series on subsequent VJ performance.
• To determine the time course of PAPE following different jump interventions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled, double-blind trial involving 69 professional soccer players.
• Interventions included two maximal VJs, 40 repetitions of MJ, or a control (CON).
• VJ performance was assessed at baseline and 2 and 6 minutes post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Both interventions significantly improved VJ height and power output at 2 minutes post-intervention compared to baseline.
• The improvement from two maximal VJs (1.89cm, 114.45W) was comparable to the MJ series (1.51cm, 91.60W).
• Performance returned to baseline levels by 6 minutes, with no significant differences from the control group.

Conclusions:

• Two maximal VJs can elicit a significant PAPE effect on subsequent VJ performance after 2 minutes.
• This effect is comparable to a higher volume of 40 jumps but is transient, lasting less than 6 minutes.
• These findings have implications for optimizing warm-up protocols in sports requiring explosive power.