The Effect Of Reflexive Performance Reset And Gluteal Activation Exercises On Muscular Excitation During Sprints

Abstract

Reflexive performance reset (RPR) has been reported to mitigate compensation patterns to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and enhance performance during sport and exercise. Furthermore, gluteal activation exercises (GA) have been postulated to enhance gluteal recruitment during exercise. However, it is currently unknown whether RPR or GA alter muscular excitation during exercise. PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that RPR improves hamstring excitation and GA improves glutei maximi excitation when compared to a dynamic warm-up. METHODS: Ten male subjects (age: 21±1 y, BMI: 25.2±2.4 kg/m2) randomly completed a control visit (Control), a RPR visit (RPR), and a GA (GA) visit. Whole-body feeling was assessed using the feeling scale (-5=very bad, 0=neutral, 5=very good) and sprint time was assessed using slow motion video capture. The total contribution of muscular work was assessed for the quadriceps, the glutei maximi, and the hamstrings using surface electromyography (Athos Training System). Subjects performed a standardized dynamic warm-up (Control), had RPR performed on them by a trained technician (RPR), or completed a series gluteal activation exercises (GA). Maximal voluntary isometric contractions for the quadriceps, the glutei maximi, and the hamstrings were assessed, after which the subject ran three all-out 9.14 m sprints. The feeling scale and sprint time were analyzed via a one-way ANOVA and the total contribution of muscular work was analyzed via a two-way ANOVA. Data are presented as mean±SD. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between Control (2.9±1.4 a.u.), RPR (2.9±1.6 a.u.), or GA (3.2±1.7 a.u.) for the feeling scale (p=0.80). There were no statistical differences between Control (2.01±0.03 s), RPR (2.02±0.07 s), or GA (1.93±0.31 s) for sprint time (p=0.48). Total muscular contribution was not statistically different (condition main effect: p=0.90) during Control (quadriceps: 70±12%, gluteui maximi: 16±8%, hamstrings: 14±9%), RPR (quadriceps: 61±11%, gluteui maximi: 17±5%, hamstrings: 22±8%), or GA (quadriceps: 65±11%, gluteui maximi: 17±5%, hamstrings: 18±8%). CONCLUSION: These data indicate no alterations in muscular excitation following RPR or GA during short sprints in healthy males. Furthermore, RPR or GA did not enhance whole-body feeling or performance.