VIA Instant Coffee Enhances the Effect of Post‐Activation Potentiation in the Counter Movement Jump

Abstract

Post‐activation potentiation (PAP) is a phenomenon known to enhance neuromuscular power output. However, research is conflicted on the most effective protocol to illicit PAP. One suggestion for improving protocol effectiveness is through the addition of dietary stimulants. Coffee is the most widely consumed caffeinated beverage and has been shown to possess ergogenic effects during power exercise (Astorino and Roberson, 2009). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Via instant coffee (VIA) on a basic potentiation protocol. It was hypothesized that VIA would augment the subjects' ability to potentiate and enhance explosive performance compared to decaffeinated control drinks. In a double blind, placebo controlled crossover design, 12 resistance trained (2 y) male and female college aged students completed three treatment conditions: water (WTR), two packets of Via decaffeinated coffee (DCF), and two packets of VIA. Following a 60 minute absorption period, subjects completed a standardized warm up followed by three counter movement jumps on a force plate (Fitness Technology, Inc.), a 10 second maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and three further counter movement jumps separated by one minute of rest. Data were analyzed via dependent t‐tests. After WTR there was a trend for potentiation in flight time (529.5 ± 74.95 ms vs. 536.33 ± 78.71 ms; p=0.06) and jump height (0.3518 ± 0.10 m vs. 0.3596 ± 0.11 m; p=0.09). After consuming DCF, there was also a trend for potentiation in flight time (530.57 ± 77.42 ms vs. 537.64 ± 85.54 ms; p=0.086) and jump height (0.3521 ± 0.11 m vs. 0.3628 ± 0.12 m; p=0.06). However after consuming VIA there was a significant increase in flight time (530.26 ± 83.25 ms vs. 541.8 ± 85.02 ms; p=0.002) and jump height (0.3527 ± 0.11 m vs. 0.3682 ± 0.12 m; p=0.0024). We conclude that VIA may enhance potentiation using an MVC‐based potentiation protocol.Support or Funding InformationThis research was not dependent on external funding.