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Related Concept Videos

Motor Unit Stimulation01:20

Motor Unit Stimulation

When the neuron of a motor unit fires an action potential, it triggers a series of events, leading to a twitch contraction in the muscle fibers. The process of excitation-contraction coupling is crucial in relaying the action potential to the muscle fibers.
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Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions01:22

Isotonic and Isometric Muscle Contractions

Two primary types of muscle contractions are isotonic and isometric, each serving unique functions and involving distinct mechanisms. Both isotonic and isometric contractions are integral to the body's complex system of movement and stability. Isotonic exercises contribute significantly to functional strength and movement, while isometric contractions are crucial for maintaining posture and joint stability.
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Muscle Stimulation Frequency01:22

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The contraction strength of muscles is regulated by motor neurons, which modulate the frequency of action potentials dispatched to the motor units based on the body's requirements. This process of varying the muscle stimulation frequency allows muscles to contract with a force that is precisely tailored to the needs of the moment, whether lifting a feather or a heavy box.
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Long-term Potentiation01:35

Long-term Potentiation

Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.

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Updated: May 21, 2026

Construction of Constant-Load (Isotonic) and Constant-Velocity (Isokinetic) Torque-Velocity-Power Profiles In vivo for the Rat Plantar Flexors
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From Populations to Programming Variables: Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Following Isometric Contractions

Zhijian He1,2, Zhipeng Xue3, Lijun Qiang4

  • 1Department of Sports Teaching and Research, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.

European Journal of Sport Science
|May 20, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Isometric contraction (ISO) enhances vertical jump performance, but its effects on muscular strength and power are inconsistent. Optimal protocols for post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) require further investigation.

Keywords:
holding isometric muscle actionisometric squatpushing isometric muscle actionrest intervalvertical jump

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Science
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Isometric contraction (ISO) is a conditioning activity (CA) for post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE).
  • Existing research on ISO's impact on muscular strength and power shows inconsistent results.
  • Characteristics influencing PAPE responses to ISO are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the acute effects of ISO on muscular strength and power.
  • To compare ISO with control (CON) and dynamic isotonic contraction (DYN) conditions.
  • To explore participant and protocol factors associated with PAPE.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and three-level meta-analysis of 25 studies with 782 participants.
  • Comparison of ISO against CON and DYN conditions.
  • Moderator analyses and meta-regression to identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

  • ISO significantly improved vertical jump height compared to CON (ES = 0.349, p < 0.01).
  • No significant difference was found between ISO and DYN for vertical jump.
  • No significant effects were observed for muscular strength or power output within ISO conditions or compared to CON.

Conclusions:

  • Isometric contraction is effective for improving vertical jump height via PAPE.
  • Evidence for ISO's effectiveness on muscular strength and power remains limited.
  • Specific ISO parameters (e.g., 8-12s duration, 6-10 volume units, 4-8 min rest) may influence vertical jump PAPE, but findings are inconsistent.