Author(s): BASSA, E.1, KAKOULIDIS, D.1, XENOFONTOS, A.2, PETRAKIS, D.1, PATIKAS, D.1, Institution: ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI , Country: GREECE, Abstract-ID: 2424

INTRODUCTION:
Post Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) is a physiological phenomenon wherein an acute augmentation in muscle performance, in terms of strength or power, is observed subsequent to a conditioning activity (CA), conducted at maximal or submaximal intensity levels [1]. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the PAPE of jumping performance in pre-pubescent soccer players, after a CA consisted of a warm-up including plyometric exercises. Additionally, this study aimed to assess the impact of this CA on the leg stiffness and its relationship with PAPE in jumping performance.
METHODS:
Twenty-five pre-pubescent male recreational soccer athletes (age: 11,62±1,11 y, maturity offset: -2,41±0,77y before peak height velocity) participated in this study. Using Optojump system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), counter-movement jump (CMJ) performance or leg stiffness while performing 7 submaximal jumps at 120 bpm [2], were evaluated before and after the CA, which consisted of a warm-up with 9 ankle hopping jumps, 6 CMJs and 3 tuck jumps. Six sessions with one test (CMJ height or stiffness) and one post-CA interval (4, 8 or 12 minutes) were conducted in randomized order.
RESULTS:
The results revealed a statistically significant effect of recovery time on jump height (p < 0.01), with higher jump heights observed at 4- and 8-min post-CA compared with pre-CA values. Furthermore, a significant effect of recovery time on leg stiffness was observed (p < 0.01), with increased stiffness at 4-, 8-, and 12-min post-CA compared with pre-CA values. Notably, jump height PAPE and leg stiffness revealed a moderate positive correlation at 4 and 8 min (r = 0.42, p < 0.05 and r = 0.46, p < 0.05, respectively), whereas low positive correlation was observed at 12 min (r = 0.25, p < 0.05) after CA.
CONCLUSION:
Vertical jump performance and leg stiffness are acutely enhanced following a dynamic warm-up protocol with implemented plyometric conditioning activity, in pre-pubescent soccer athletes. Additionally, the moderate correlation between stiffness and improvement in jumping performance suggests that leg stiffness might be an underlying mechanism underpinning PAPE in vertical jumping.
REFERENCES:
1. Blazevich AJ, Babault N. Front Physiol., 2019
2. Dalleau et al. Int J Sports Med., 2004