Comparison of Different Methods on Post-Activation Performance Enhancement: A Meta-Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Performance Enhancement

Background:

• Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a phenomenon where a brief bout of conditioning exercise potentiates subsequent explosive performance.
• High-load resistance training (HL-RT) is a common method to induce PAPE, but it requires significant recovery.
• Blood flow restriction combined with resistance training (BFR-RT) offers a potentially less taxing alternative for PAPE induction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of BFR-RT and HL-RT in inducing PAPE.
• To analyze differences in PAPE response based on gender.
• To identify optimal BFR-RT protocols for PAPE compared to HL-RT.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI) up to December 2023.
• Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence.
• Meta-analyses were performed to compare the effects of BFR-RT and HL-RT on jump height (JH) and power output (PO), with secondary analyses for gender and optimal BFR-RT protocols.

Main Results:

• Both BFR-RT and HL-RT significantly improved JH and PO, with no significant difference between the two methods (SMD range: 0.34-0.42).
• Subgroup analysis indicated BFR-RT was more effective for PAPE in females.
• The optimal BFR-RT protocol (50% arterial occlusion pressure + 30% 1RM) showed the greatest effect compared to HL-RT.

Conclusions:

• BFR-RT is an effective alternative to HL-RT for inducing PAPE.
• BFR-RT demonstrates specific benefits for female athletes.
• Further research into optimal BFR-RT parameters can maximize performance enhancement.