Short-term maximal performance depend on post-activation potentiation stimuli type and recovery period

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the acute effects of two types of warm-up (i.e. plyometric and isometric) interventions on jump performance. Forty-five subjects volunteered to participate in our study. Participants were randomly assigned in a plyometric group (n = 15; age 14.79 ± 0.43; mass 57.64 ± 4.52; height 174.61 ± 5.97), isometric group (n = 15; age 14.80 ± 0.41; mass 57.13 ± 4.78; height 174.57 ± 5.75), and control group (n = 15; age 14.67 ± 0.49; mass 57.93 ± 4.09; height 175.30 ± 4.93). Pre- and post-measures (before, immediately, 5, 10, and 15 min after) for sargent jump test (SJT) and five jump test (5JT) were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. There was a significant (p < 0.01) difference in SJT and 5JT depending on intervention types (η p 2 = 0.430 and η p 2 = 0.467, respectively). The results showed that both experimental groups had increases in SJT and 5JT compared to the control group. In the plyometric intervention, increases in SJT and 5JT up to 15 min after can be linked to dissipation of fatigue. Reduction of muscle function at potentiated state can be seen in the isometric scheme wherein jump performances decreased at 15 min. Post-potentiating activation has been induced using various types of exercise protocols. The optimal recovery period for recreationally trained men has not been clearly defined.