May a Nonlocalized Postactivation Performance Enhancement Exist Between the Upper and Lower Body in Trained Men?

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) describes acute performance improvements following a conditioning activity.
• Research has primarily focused on PAPE within the same muscle group or limb.
• The potential for nonlocalized PAPE between upper and lower body segments remains less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if upper-body resistance exercise can induce PAPE in the lower body of trained men.
• To compare the effects of high-intensity (HI) versus high-power (POW) upper-body protocols on lower-body performance.
• To examine the impact of these protocols on neuromuscular activation of lower-body muscles.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen resistance-trained men performed upper-body and lower-body power tests (bench press throw, countermovement jump power).
• Maximal force and quadriceps electromyographic (EMG) activation were assessed during isometric leg extension.
• Participants completed a high-intensity bench press protocol (90% 1RM), a high-power protocol (30% 1RM), and a control trial in a randomized order.

Main Results:

• Countermovement jump power significantly increased only after the high-intensity bench press protocol.
• Electromyographic (EMG) activation of quadriceps muscles improved after the high-intensity protocol but decreased after the high-power protocol.
• No significant effects on lower-body performance were observed following the high-power bench press protocol.

Conclusions:

• A high-intensity upper-body resistance exercise can elicit nonlocalized PAPE in the lower body, enhancing power output.
• High-intensity upper-body protocols may also increase neuromuscular activation in lower-body muscles.
• Practitioners can strategically incorporate high-intensity upper-body exercises into complex training to potentially boost lower-body power.