Acute Post-Activation Potentiation Effects of Heavy High-Pulls on Clean Performance

Abstract

Aim: The concept of post-activation potentiation (PAP) is still novel from a training perspective and lacks breadth relative to weightlifting exercises. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a conditioning activity (clean high pulls) on the performance of a main activity (clean) after the conditioning activity. Methods: Eleven volunteers who engaged in weightlifting (Male = 5, Female = 6) participated in two different testing sessions (experimental vs. control). Baseline measurements were taken following the warm-up. The testing condition was performed and additional measurements were taken at 30 s, 2 min, 4 min, 6 min, 8 min, 10 min, and 12 min into recovery. A linear position transducer was used to collect peak power, peak velocity, and displacement of the barbell during the clean. Multiple 2 × 8 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the data along with a paired samples t test between baseline and “best” values. Results: There was no interaction or main effect for condition (P > 0.05). However, there was a significant main effect for time (P < 0.05) for all variables. The “best” values were significantly (P < 0.05) greater than baseline values (peak power: experimental = 1354.76 ± 521.24 W vs. baseline 1216.03 ± 492.30 W; peak velocity: experimental = 2.66 ± 0.44 m/s vs. baseline 2.50 ± 0.44 m/s; displacement: experimental = 111.07 ± 12.09 cm vs. baseline 107.01 ± 11.32 cm). Conclusions: The findings of this study are in partial agreement with previous literature where the warm-up was probably enough to elicit PAP. Therefore, recommendations for future studies could include utilizing a more elite population and to ensure all potential participants can squat at least 2 × their body weight.