Robert M. Brannan1, Adam M. Whittaker1,2, Matt D. Leatherwood1, Greg A. Ryan3, ... 1Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery Alabama, 2Tulane ...
POST-ACTIVATION POTENTIATION AND PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES IN FEMALE COLLEGE ATHLETES Robert M. Brannan1, Adam M. Whittaker1,2, Matt D. Leatherwood1, Greg A. Ryan3, Robert L. Herron1,4 1Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery Alabama, 2Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 3University of Western Montana, Dillon, MT, 4The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
Abstract Research supports implementing a post-activation potentiation (PAP) protocol as an ergogenic aid to acutely optimize performance prior to tests of power, agility, and strength. However, the applicability specific to female softball players has yet to be investigated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine power and agility outcomes in female collegiate softball players after PAP is introduced through heavy back squats (BS) at 100-120% of the predicted one-repetition maximum (1RM). METHODS: Fourteen trained female NAIA collegiate softball players (mean ± SD; age = 20 ± 1 y, height = 1.67 ± 0.08 m, weight = 72.1 ± 16.2 kg) visited the lab for testing on three non-consecutive days. During the first visit, participants were familiarized with the power and agility testing protocol and had their 10RM assessed on the BS, later used to predict a 1RM. During the second visit (CON) each participant completed a standardized dynamic, sport-specific warm-up before performing a battery of performance tests (PT). On the third visit, a PAP protocol was implemented between the dynamic warm-up and PT. The PAP protocol included three sets of partial range of motion (ROM) BS at 100-120% of the predicted 1RM. During each set, the participant completed three reps with a limited range of motion (≈ 1/4 ROM). The PT included a vertical jump (VJ), a timed 20 m sprint (time was recorded at 10 m [10M] and 20 m [20M]), a pro-agility test (PA), and an L-cone drill (LC). During PT, participants completed two attempts of each measure separated by a three-minute recovery period. The higher of the two attempts was recorded for analysis. RESULTS: Dependent T-tests revealed PAP improved performance compared to the CON in the VJ (PAP 41.55 ± 10.62 cm, CON 37.10 ± 9.31 cm; p < 0.001) and LC (PAP 8.89 ± 0.47 s, LC 9.13 ± 0.49 s; p = 0.001) However, there was no difference (p > 0.05) in 10M (PAP = 1.88 ± 0.09 s; CON 1.86 ± 0.18 s), 20M (PAP = 3.31 ± 0.16 s; CON 3.31 ± 0.15 s), or PA (PAP = 5.40 ± 0.27 s; CON 5.45 ± 0.25 s). CONCLUSIONS: This data supports the use of using a BS specific PAP to improve VJ and LC performance in trained NAIA collegiate softball players. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Athletes and strength and conditioning practitioners should continue to investigate sport specific PAP protocols to enhance performance variables of interest. PAP protocols utilizing BS should used for softball athletes interested in acutely maximizing performance specific to power and agility.
Methods (cont.)
Introduction • PAP has emerged as an effective way to improve performance
• 10RM Back Squat was used to predict 1RM
• Softball athletes primarily perform sporadic, short, explosive movements
• PAP protocol utilized predicted 1RM in a 3 x 3 PAP design limiting participants ≈ ¼ ROM emphasizing the explosive concentric phase
• PAP could provide unique, ecologically-valid benefits to softball athletes in speed and agility applications
Methods Table 1. Fourteen female, NAIA collegiate-softball players participated. Basic descriptive data is represented below. n Age Ht (m) Wt (kg) 14 20 ± 1 1.67 ± 0.08 72.1 ± 16.2 Figure 1. Timeline
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
•Warm-Up •Squat 10RM •Familiarization
•Warm-Up •Performance •Control
•Warm-Up •PAP •Performance
Figure 2. The performance testing order is represented below. Each test was performed twice, with the best score recorded for analysis. 1.
VJ
Results Table 2. Dependent T-tests revealed PAP improved performance compared to CON in VJ and LC. However, there were no differences between 10M, 20M or Pro-Agility. (*denotes, p < 0.001) Control
PAP
VJ (cm)
37.10 ± 9.31
*41.55 ± 10.62
10M-Sprint (s)
1.86 ± 0.18
1.88 ± 0.09
20M-Sprint (s)
3.31 ± 0.15
3.31 ± 0.16
Pro-Agility (s)
5.45 ± 0.25
5.40 ± 0.27
L-Cone (s)
9.13 ± 0.49
*8.89 ± 0.47
Conclusions • These data support the use of a BS initiated PAP protocol for improving VJ and Pro-Agility performance in NAIA collegiate female softball athletes
2. Sprint • Acute improvement in vertical power and multi-directions agility can be realized with a BS protocol, while speed and horizontal change of direction may require an alternative movement-specific PAP protocol
3. Pro-Agility
4. L-Cone
Practical Applications • Practitioners can and should use specific PAP protocols to increase performance-based variables of interest
• PAP protocols using the BS can be used by athletes interested in acutely maximizing power and multi-directional agility performance
