Optimal Recovery Time for Postactivation Potentiation in Professional Soccer Players

Burnet, Scott and Bruce-Low, Stewart and Mola, Jameson. Optimal Recovery Time for Postactivation Potentiation in Professional Soccer Players. Working Paper. SSU. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Resistance exercise may acutely enhance muscle contractile activity which is known as postactivation potentiation (PAP). PAP augments important skills that require power production that are necessary during soccer performance. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal recovery time to elicit PAP following a bout of high-intensity resistance exercise in professional soccer players. Based on a priori power analysis (p=80%; pa=.05) 22 senior professional soccer players [Mean(SD) : age, 23(4.5) y; stature, 1.83(6.6) m; body mass, 80.9(7.8) kg] were randomised to either experimental (n=11) or control groups (n=11). Both groups performed a standardised warm-up and baseline countermovement jump (CMJ) followed by 10 min recovery. After the 10 min recovery period the control group performed a CMJ at 15 s and at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 min, whereas the experimental group performed a 3RM squat and then an identical CMJ protocol. No difference between group CMJ peak-power (p>.05) or jump height (p>.05) was observed. No time effect for peak-power (F(6,60)=2.448; p=.063) or jump-height (F(6,60)=2.399; p=.089) was observed throughout the experimental group trials . Responders (n=6) displayed individualised PAP profiles at 4 (n=3), 12 (n=1) and 16 (n=2) min post conditioning contraction whereas non-responders (n=5) did not. A set of 3RM squats failed to acutely potentiate all participants CMJ performance. Both PAP responders and non-responders were identified and have individualised PAP time-constants. This is not consistent with previous literature which used identical protocols Strength and conditioning practitioners need to individualise recovery ‘windows’ and identify athletes who respond to PAP prior to undertaking a complex-training intervention. Key Words: Strength, power, football, explosive

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