The impact of postactivation performance enhancement on 20 m sprint and CMJ performance in male sprinters

This study investigated the effects of different conditioning activities (CAs) on postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE), as assessed by 20 m sprint and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, determined the optimal timing of peak performance, and analyzed the underlying mechanisms in male sprinters.

Thirteen male sprinters completed a controlled crossover design involving three CAs, namely, traditional dynamic resistance (TDR), plyometric (PLY), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Pre- and post-intervention assessments of 20 m sprint and CMJ were conducted alongside kinematic, kinetic, and sEMG analyses to elucidate mechanisms underlying performance changes.

All three CAs (TDR, PLY, and MVIC) resulted in significant improvements in 20 m sprint performance. The TDR group achieved optimal results at 4 and 8 min; the PLY group at 8 min; and the MVIC group at 12, 16, and 20 min. CMJ performance was significantly enhanced by TDR at 8 min (P < 0.05). In the TDR group, compared with baseline, hip joint minimum angle (θ_min) (P < 0.01) and minimum angular velocity (ω_min) (P < 0.05) were reduced, whereas angular displacement (Δθ) (P < 0.01), knee θ_min (P < 0.01), ω_min (P < 0.01), and Δθ (P < 0.01) were increased. Additionally, vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) (P < 0.01), peak power output (PPO) (P < 0.05), and peak rate of force development (pRFD) (P < 0.05) were significantly increased. Muscle coactivation was observed at the hip and knee joints (P < 0.01). At 8 min post-TDR, compared with the control group, hip and knee θ_min, ω_min, and Δθ changed significantly (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, vGRF, PPO, and pRFD showed significant increases (P < 0.05). Coactivation of the hip and knee musculature (P < 0.05) was also observed.

TDR, PLY, and MVIC CAs each significantly enhance 20 m sprint performance in male sprinters. However, the timing of peak PAPE varies by CA: 4-8 min for TDR, 8 min for PLY, and 12-20 min for MVIC. Notably, TDR induces significant improvements in CMJ performance at 8 min, which are likely attributable to increased joint loading capacity and enhanced muscle coactivation in the lower limbs.