Effects of different activation strategies on standing start performance in elite female track cyclists

PAPE (post-activation performance enhancement) has gained attention in sports science due to its potential to enhance athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different PAPE activation methods, including non-activation (CON), Dynamic High Inertia Load (DYN), Specific Isometric Contraction (ISO), and Back Squat (BSQ), on standing start sprint performance in elite female track cyclists. A randomised, counterbalanced experimental design was used, with eight elite female track cyclists (age: 23.3 ± 1.3 years; height: 1.66 ± 0.02 m; weight: 62 ± 1 kg). Each participant participated in four activation experiments, each performing one of the four activation protocols (CON, DYN, ISO, BSQ). Each experiment included four tests: pre-activation (PRE), post-activation at 4 min (POST 4), post-activation at 8 min (POST 8), and post-activation at 12 min (POST 12). Each test consisted of a 62.5-metre standing start time trial (TT), with TT time, peak power output (PPO), and peak torque (PT) measured. The Friedman test was used for the main effect analysis. The DYN significantly improved sprint performance, with TT time decreased at POST 4 (p = 0.019) and PT increased (p = 0.003). The ISO improvements in PT at POST 12 (p = 0.044), but the TT time remained unchanged (p > 0.05). The BSQ showed no significant performance enhancement in TT time or PT (p > 0.05). DYN activation is the most effective PAPE method for improving standing start sprint performance in elite female track cyclists, with optimal effects observed 4 min post-activation. While ISO may improve peak torque, it did not enhance sprint time.