Post Activation Potentiation in Upper and Lower Extremities

Abstract

Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) occurs when muscular performance during a fast, powerful movement increases due to a prior high force contraction. Previous researcher has found PAP in the lower extremity (LE) when a vertical jump is performed immediately after a set of heavy back squats. Yet, there has been limited observation of PAP in the upper extremity (UE). PURPOSE: To determine whether performing PAP exercises in the UE will be equally effective as in the LE. METHODS: 15 resistance trained men (age = 21.8±1.5 y, height = 1.81±0.1 m, body mass = 89.3±8.9 kg) had their one repetition maximum (1RM) back squat and bench press (153.7±27.9 kg and 117.9±19.9 kg, respectively) determined for proper load to activate PAP effects. On a subsequent day subjects performed fast, powerful movements pre- and post PAP enhancing resistance exercises (3 repetitions at 80% 1RM), which included vertical jump pre & post a back squat (LE) and bench press throw on smith-machine pre & post a bench press (UE). Force data of these performance exercises were collected using a force plate and peak force and center of mass velocity and power were measured pre- and post-PAP exercises for comparison. Significance was determined using a paired t-test. RESULTS: Peak force increased pre- to post-PAP exercises in both LE and UE, yet neither was significant (LE: 1863.3±212.2 N vs 1931.3±323.1 N, p=0.11; UE: 1829.5±292.3 N vs. 1841.5±253.9 N, p=0.73, respectively). There were no significant PAP improvements in performance in the LE or UE. CONCLUSION: Because majority of participants did not show PAP, there was no overall significance in the study. Some subjects exhibited positive PAP effects in both LE and UE, while others exhibited a decrease in performance. This corroborates several other studies that have noted PAP “responders” and “non-responders” potentially due to differences in training status or fiber type distribution patterns.