Effect of Varying Recovery Duration on Postactivation Potentiation of Explosive Jump and Short Sprint in Elite Young Soccer Players

Abstract

K ökl ü, Y, K ökl ü, Ö, Is ‚ ıkdemir, E, and Alemdaro glu, U. Effect of varying recovery duration on postactivation potentiation of explosive jump and short sprint in elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 534-539, 2022-The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of postactivation potentiation (PAP) on vertical jump and sprint performances with different recovery durations. Twelve elite young soccer players (average age: 17.0 6 0.6 years; body mass: 67.0 6 5.4 kg; height: 175.0 6 3.5 cm) voluntarily performed countermovement jump (CMJ) and 30-m sprints (with 10-m split times) under unloaded and 4 different recovery duration conditions (R1: 1 minute, R2: 2 minutes, R3: 3 minutes, and R4: 4 minutes) after a set of 3 repetitions of half-squat exercises at 90% of 1-repetition maximum. Electromyographic assessments of both limbs' vastus lateralis (VL) and semitendinosus (ST) muscle activity were also made during the tests. Vertical jump height, sprint time, and VL and ST muscle activity root mean square (RMS) values were analyzed. The results show that players demonstrated significantly better CMJ, 10-, and 30-m sprint performances in the R4 condition compared with the unloaded condition (p , 0.05). The players also showed significantly higher RMS values for VL and ST muscle activity in the CMJ and 30-m test performances for both legs in the R4 condition compared with the unloaded, R1, R2, and R3 conditions (p , 0.05). According to these results, if sports scientists and coaches desire to increase the PAP effect after heavy resistance training, 4 minutes of recovery time instead of 1, 2, or 3 minutes for CMJ, 10-, and 30-m sprint performances is recommended.

The influence of recovery period following a pre-load stimulus on physical performance measures in handball players

“…In line with other recent literature recommendations [ 15 ], it is not currently known whether the use of PAP after heavy strength repetitions translates to greater sprint or jump performance during the early part of a handball match. Additionally, depending on position, there is a significant aerobic contribution to handball performance so again it is unclear how the current PAP intervention would translate in assisting an athlete in performing repetitive strength and power movements under fatigue [ 1 ].…”

“…The need for individual determination of the optimal recovery time from pre-load stimulus to competition, is therefore vital when trying to maximise readiness to perform. In humans, both fatigue and potentiation responses, although antagonistic in nature, can coexist [ 38 ], therefore whilst potentiation following a pre-load stimulus can elicit favourable enhancements in speed and power [ 39 ], fatigue can induce opposing responses [ 15 ]. In order to induce benefit from PAP, adequate recovery must take place [ 38 ].…”

“…To comparatively assess why previous work has documented contrasting results to the present study, it is useful to look at methodological approaches to study design and training status. For example, a recent study in youth footballers showed 4-min after a pre-load stimulus resulted in the greatest performance when using sport specific tests [ 15 ], however, this 4-min recovery condition was compared against recovery durations ranging between just 1–3 min, arguably insufficient to allow physiological recovery following heavy strength repetition lifts [ 38 ]. When considering not just potentiation, but also recovery of fatigue prior to match play, longer recovery-durations than 4-min should likely be investigated.…”

“…A large amount of literature has investigated optimal rest-duration post-load stimulus on subsequent performance with recovery periods ranging from as little as 15-s up to 24-min [ 9 , 11 – 14 ]. Findings suggest that team-sport have shown benefit to PAP with recovery durations ranging from 15-s [ 12 ], 4-min [ 15 ], 8-min [ 11 ], 12-min [ 5 ] or even beyond [ 16 ]. Further, it has been suggested that training status is a major determinant in pre-load stimulus realisation.…”

Correlating WattbikePro Cycle Ergometer Tests with Field Tests During College Football Preparation Period

“…Soccer players often undergo conditioned via a periodization training program [8,9] that divides the year into preparation, competitive, and transition phases. This program is often complemented by tests that can evaluate speed, power, and endurance [10][11][12]. In the college soccer teams that we supported, we regularly evaluated improvements in speed, power, and endurance according to the annual training plan by conducting a 50 m sprint, Yo-Yo IR2 test [13], Cooper test [14], and CMJ test.…”