A Comparison between Non-Localized Post-Activation Performance Enhancements Following Resistance Exercise for the Upper and the Lower Body

Sandro Bartolomei,Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni,Silvia Fantozzi,Matteo Cortesi

doi:10.3390/app12031639

Sandro Bartolomei, Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031639

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Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to compare the acute non-localized post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of an exercise protocol involving either the upper or the lower body muscles. Twenty-four resistance trained men participated in the present study and were randomly assigned to an upper body (UB) or to a lower body (LB) group. Both groups tested for upper and lower body power (bench press throw (BPT) and countermovement jump power (CMJP) tests). Participants in the UB group were tested pre and post a high-intensity (HI) and a high-power (POW) bench press protocol while participants in the LB group performed a HI squat and a jump session (POW). A significant group × time interaction was found for CMJP in HI (p = 0.012). Post hoc tests revealed that CMJP was elevated in UB group only (+1.6%; p = 0.025). No other significant interactions were detected. Results of this study indicate that a non-localized PAPE on the lower body may be induced by a HI bench press protocol while a HI squat protocol may not increase upper body power. In particular, the squat protocol performed in the present study (5 sets of 1 rep) may be too demanding to produce a non-localized PAPE.

Highlights

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) has been defined as an enhancement in the contractile response, measured with supramaximal electrical stimulation, following an intense voluntary contraction [1]
Post hoc tests revealed that CMJP was elevated (+1.6%) in the upper body (UB) group only (p = 0.025)
The main aim of the present study was to compare the non-localized post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) of a lower body vs. an upper body resistance exercise session

Summary

Introduction

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) has been defined as an enhancement in the contractile response, measured with supramaximal electrical stimulation, following an intense voluntary contraction [1]. The ergogenic effect of a resistance exercise on subsequent power output has been defined as post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) [2] This physiological effect, reported by several studies on both the upper and lower body [3,4], has been frequently attributed to local factors such as muscle excitability and contractility due to increased phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chains [5]. Considering the nature of PAPE, the acute effects could involve muscles that were not previously engaged in the conditioning intervention, producing a non-localized effect This non-localized effect may induce an increase in the performance of the lower body when the upper body muscles have been exercised, and vice versa. Acute improvements in sprint and vertical jump performance were registered following power exercises such as weighted jumps [13]

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