The role of different rest periods on post-activation performance enhancement in plyometric preload

The optimal combination of factors such as rest duration, type of activity, and individual variability for maximizing post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) following plyometric conditioning activity (plyometric CA) remains a subject of debate. To investigate the effects of different rest periods (4, 8, and 12 min) on performance following plyometric CA, this randomized controlled study was conducted.

Twenty physically active men were included in this study (mean ± SD: age 20.74 ± 1.94 years, with a range of 18-24 years, body weight 70.61 ± 3.01 kg, and height 176 ± 1.8 cm). Participants familiarized themselves with the plyometric CA protocol through a preliminary session involving three sets of ten tuck jumps to ensure proper technique. A familiarization test was performed on the first day. They performed in a vertical jump test with different rest periods (4, 8, 12 min) between tests, set at 48-hour intervals and the randomized design was compared to the control group. The data obtained were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests in SPSS 25 and Microsoft Office Excel.

Although no statistically significant differences were observed between conditions (p > 0.05), a consistent increasing trend in performance indicators was noted following 4-, 8-, and 12-minute rest intervals. Compared to the control condition, jump height increased by 2.81%, 2.95%, and 3.01%; peak power output (PPO) increased by 1.84%, 1.94%, and 2.59%; and PPO relative to total body mass increased by 2.04%, 2.06%, and 2.15%, respectively.

In conclusion, the findings highlight the complexity of rest interval effects on PAPE and suggest the necessity of individualized rest strategies to optimize athletic performance.