Do Activities Performed within the Intra-Contrast Rest Interval Affect Neuromuscular Performance during...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Complex-contrast training (CCT) combines different exercise types to enhance performance.
• The intra-contrast rest interval (ICRI) is a key component of CCT, but optimal activities within this period are debated.
• Understanding acute effects of ICRI activities on neuromuscular performance is crucial for training prescription.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acute effects of different ICRI activities on performance during CCT.
• To compare passive recovery, mobility exercises, and strength exercises within the ICRI.
• To analyze the impact on countermovement jump and bench press throw performance.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen recreationally active males participated in three CCT protocols with varying ICRIs: passive (CCT_PASS), mobility (CCT_MOB), and strength (CCT_STR).
• Performance metrics (countermovement jump, bench press throw) were measured pre- and post-sets.
• Rate of perceived exertion was recorded post-session.

Main Results:

• No significant performance differences were observed between CCT_PASS, CCT_MOB, and CCT_STR.
• Countermovement jump peak power significantly declined in the final repetitions of each set, regardless of ICRI protocol.
• CCT_STR was perceived as more intense than CCT_PASS and CCT_MOB.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating mobility or strength exercises into the ICRI is a viable strategy for CCT, showing similar acute neuromuscular responses to passive rest.
• To mitigate performance decrements, reducing repetitions per set is recommended in CCT protocols.
• These findings offer insights for optimizing CCT program design for athletes.