Postactivation Potentiation

Abstract

Complex training is a method of hyper-stimulating the nervous system by performing a heavy resistance exercise (e.g., squat, bench press) prior to performing an explosive movement (e.g., vertical jump, medicine ball put). The heavy resistance exercise causes neural hyper-stimulation which may lead to enhanced force and power production. This neural hyper-stimulation phenomenon is known as Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP). Functional Isometrics (FI) is a form of weight training where a person lifts greater than 100% of their 1RM in a limited range of motion until the weight meets an immoveable object at which point they push and hold the weight for 3–5 seconds. This technique is a method of initiating a PAP which theoretically leads to one's ability to exert increased muscular force and power. PURPOSE: To investigate if untrained males and females performing a FI squat at 150% of their 1RM for 3 seconds would increase counter movement vertical jump (CMJ) height. METHODS: Untrained (no weight training experience) males (n=8, age: 29±6 yrs, mass: 102±23 kg, ht: 177±5 cm) and females (n=8, age: 23+3 yrs, mass: 62±7 kg, ht: 164±6 cm) participated in the study. Day 1: CMJ and 1 RM in the back squat were determined. Subjects practiced a FI squat using only the bar. Day 2: Subjects performed a 3 second FI squat with 150% of their 1RM squat, sat and rested for 4 minutes, performed a CMJ, waited 1 minute and performed another CMJ at 5 minutes post-FI squat. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA procedures failed to reveal a significant increase in CMJ for either group (p>.45) following the FI squat. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate no effect of functional isometric squatting on PAP as measured by CMJ in untrained males or females. This is consistent with current theory that untrained individuals fail to exhibit PAP following a hyper-stimulus event to the nervous system.