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Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement
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Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Athletic Training and Human Performance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 9309

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Michał Krzysztofik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Interests: training interventions; athletic performance; physical fitness; rehabilitation; sport science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Interest among sports practitioners in the effects of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) and priming continues to grow due to their potential for significant improvements in athletic performance, with the potential to equate to weeks of intense training. Researchers are equally enthusiastic about conducting both basic and applied research, driven by lingering uncertainties surrounding the underlying mechanisms of these phenomena and their optimal application in real-life contexts.

Therefore, the objective of this Special Issue is to compile a collection of high-quality studies aimed at deepening our understanding of the PAPE and priming effects across various groups of athletes. These studies should focus on assessing changes in physical performance and exploring potential mechanisms, including evaluations of changes in muscle temperature, intracellular fluid content, muscle fiber pennation angle, as well as catecholamine and sex hormone concentrations following different activation protocols.

Dr. Michał Krzysztofik
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE)
  • muscle fiber
  • physical performance

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
Effects of Priming with Light vs. Heavy Loads on Weightlifting Performance
by Theodoros Stavropoulos, Nikolaos Zaras, Georgia-Kassandra Kelekian, Thomas Mpampoulis, Alexandra Avloniti, Athanasios Chatzinikolaou and Gerasimos Terzis
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010052 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a priming training session with either a light or heavy load snatch and clean pulls on weightlifting performance. Methods: Twelve well-trained weightlifters (seven males and five females) participated in the study. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a priming training session with either a light or heavy load snatch and clean pulls on weightlifting performance. Methods: Twelve well-trained weightlifters (seven males and five females) participated in the study. The athletes followed a counterbalanced study design comparing three treatments, including a day of rest (control) and two priming sessions involving two different weightlifting derivatives—the snatch and the clean pulls—which were performed either with 80% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) (LP) or with 110% of the 1-RM (HP). Twenty-four hours later, the 1-RM strength test for the snatch and clean and jerk, as well as the barbell kinematic characteristics at 100% of the 1-RM in the snatch and clean and jerk, were measured. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured following the priming sessions. Results: Performance in snatch remained unchanged following the LP and HP. However, performance in the clean and jerk increased significantly by 3.1% following the HP compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in barbell kinematics. The RPE was significantly higher for HP compared to LP. Conclusions: These results suggest that an HP performed 24 h prior to the 1-RM evaluation in weightlifting may have significantly increased performance in the clean and jerk. These changes may not be explained by barbell kinematics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement)
11 pages, 636 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Variations in the Physical Fitness of South African Premier Soccer League Players over an Annual Training Macrocycle (Nine Months)
by Mduduzi Rhini, Robert Charles Hickner, Rowena Naidoo and Takshita Sookan-Kassie
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010038 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 687
Abstract
Background: Anecdotal data indicate that the physical fitness of soccer players fluctuates across the season. This is often a concern for coaches, since players are expected to be at optimal fitness during matches on weekly basis across the season. Objectives: To [...] Read more.
Background: Anecdotal data indicate that the physical fitness of soccer players fluctuates across the season. This is often a concern for coaches, since players are expected to be at optimal fitness during matches on weekly basis across the season. Objectives: To analyze the physical fitness variation in South African Premier Soccer League players over an annual training macrocycle. Methods: Twenty-four Premier Soccer League players belonging to the same team participated in the study. Players went through fitness assessments at three stages of the season: at the beginning of pre-season (T1); mid-first round in-season (T2); and mid-second round in-season (T3). The assessments included body fat percentage; sit and reach; vertical jump; 10 and 30 m sprints; and YoYo Intermittent Recovery Level 2 (YoYo IR2). Results: There was a significant increase in body fat percentage from T1 to T2 (p < 0.001), and a slight decline was evident at T3 (p = 0.04). Flexibility was significantly greater at T2 (p < 0.001) compared to T1 and T3. Vertical jump significantly improved at T3 (p = 0.004) compared to T1 and T2. A similar trend was evident in the YoYo IR2, where players reached the highest levels at T3 (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in the 10 and 30 m sprints across the season. Conclusions: These results indicate that, indeed, some parameters, such as body fat percentage and flexibility, are likely to fluctuate as the season progresses. However, it is also evident that a gradual improvement can be achieved, as seen in vertical jump and YoYo IR2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement)
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12 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
Acute Effect of Fixed vs. Self-Selected Rest Interval Between Sets on Physiological and Performance-Related Responses
by Diego A. Alonso-Aubin, Juan Hernández-Lougedo, Alberto Cavero-Haro and Ismael Martínez-Guardado
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(4), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9040200 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2831
Abstract
Background: Although the comparison between self-managed rest and fixed rest periods in subjects experienced in lower-limb strength training has been investigated, the results remain unclear due to controversies among some studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the role of self-managed rest [...] Read more.
Background: Although the comparison between self-managed rest and fixed rest periods in subjects experienced in lower-limb strength training has been investigated, the results remain unclear due to controversies among some studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the role of self-managed rest versus fixed rest in athletic performance, mean propulsive velocity, velocity loss, muscle oxygen saturation, and rest time in trained subjects; Methods: Thirteen subjects with a minimum of one year of training experience (age (years): 26.31 ± 3.84; height (cm): 175.46 ± 5.61; weight (kg): 79.24 ± 6.83) were randomly assigned to two groups (self-selected rest group [SR] = 7 and fixed rest group [FR] = 6). The subjects underwent a session for evaluation (one maximum repetition (1RM) estimation, familiarization, and data collection) and another day for a traditional strength training session for the back squat, consisting of five sets of four repetitions at 80% of 1RM. One group took a fixed 2 min break, while the other group managed their breaks autonomously (resuming when they felt ready to perform the next set at maximum velocity). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) was monitored using a linear position transducer, and muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) was measured with a near-infrared spectroscopy device; Results: Significant differences between the groups were found for the rest time between the first and second sets (SR 97.29 ± 23.70 seg vs. FR 120 ± 0.00 seg). However, no differences were found for MPV, velocity loss, or SmO2; Conclusions: Given the similarities in performance and physiological outcomes between fixed and self-selected rest conditions, both can be used equally depending on the preferences and training goals of coaches and athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement)
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10 pages, 2395 KiB  
Article
Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) as a Conditioning Activity for Roundhouse Kick (mawashi geri) Performance in Karate
by Johan Robalino, Lucieli Teresa Cambri, André Cavalcante, Emerson Franchini, Bruno Mezêncio and Jacielle Carolina Ferreira
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030145 - 26 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1184
Abstract
Karate athletes strategically use lower-limb techniques in combat, with the roundhouse kick (mawashi geri) being highly effective in kumite. To quickly improve the technical performance before training or competitions, conditioning activities (CAs) are often utilized. Recently, Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) has emerged [...] Read more.
Karate athletes strategically use lower-limb techniques in combat, with the roundhouse kick (mawashi geri) being highly effective in kumite. To quickly improve the technical performance before training or competitions, conditioning activities (CAs) are often utilized. Recently, Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) has emerged as a potential conditioning activity (CA). This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of WBV as a CA on the performance of the mawashi geri. The sample included sixteen male karate athletes. The study had a familiarization and two experimental sessions: one with WBV and the other without (NWBV), conducted randomly and counterbalanced, each preceded and followed by a mawashi geri assessment on a force platform. During the CA intervention, the participants performed four sets of isometric half-squats on a vibration platform at a frequency of 26 Hz and an amplitude of 4 mm in the WBV condition, while the platform was off in the NWBV condition. A significant reduction in the mawashi geri attack phase time was observed under the WBV condition [pre: 0.31 ± 0.03 s; post: 0.30 ± 0.03 s] compared to the NWBV condition [pre: 0.31 ± 0.04 s; post: 0.32 ± 0.03 s] (p = 0.02). However, no differences were noted regarding the impact force or other kinetic variables between the conditions. Therefore, WBV did not increase the performance of the kinetic and kinematic variables of the mawashi geri in karate athletes, but it is possible that there is a positive effect on attack time, suggesting that further studies with different vibration protocol configurations would be beneficial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement)
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13 pages, 1438 KiB  
Article
Effects of 34 Weeks of Military Service on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Military Cadets of Angola
by Manuel Coge, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Ana Pereira, Luís Faíl, Bruno Ribeiro and Dulce Esteves
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9030111 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1703
Abstract
Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets’ body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 [...] Read more.
Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets’ body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO2max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement)
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Review

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24 pages, 2406 KiB  
Review
Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis—Part I: General Performance Indicators
by Artur Terbalyan, Karol Skotniczny, Michał Krzysztofik, Jakub Chycki, Vadim Kasparov and Robert Roczniok
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10010088 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1005
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve general performance in combat sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of PAPE protocols on physical performance, focusing on differences across disciplines, competitive levels, and testing methods. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve general performance in combat sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of PAPE protocols on physical performance, focusing on differences across disciplines, competitive levels, and testing methods. Methods: A PRISMA-guided search (2010–2023) identified 19 studies examining PAPE protocols in combat sports athletes. The inclusion criteria required human trials using defined PAPE protocols, with outcomes of general performance indicators such as countermovement jumps (CMJs). A meta-analysis was conducted on data from 866 athletes using random effects modeling. Results: The PAPE protocols yielded a pooled effect size of 0.136 (95% CI, 0.008–0.263) across 866 athletes. Taekwondo athletes exhibited the most pronounced improvements in CMJ performance, particularly when using protocols that combined repeated vertical jumps with heavy-resistance cluster sets, and with dynamic, sport-specific movements such as the bandal chagui protocol achieving an effect size of 1.19 (p < 0.001). Conversely, Muay Thai athletes experienced performance declines when the protocols incorporated highly specific techniques, such as roundhouse kicks (ES = −1.36, p = 0.009). Analysis by competitive level revealed pooled effect sizes of 0.14 (95% CI, −0.01 to 0.29) for amateur athletes and 0.13 (95% CI, −0.11 to 0.38) for elite athletes, with no statistically significant differences observed between these groups. Conclusions: PAPE’s effectiveness depends on tailoring protocols to the competitive level and discipline. Short rest intervals support plyometric protocols for amateurs, while heavy-resistance exercises enhance elite performers. Further research is needed to standardize PAPE protocols and explore discipline-specific adaptations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Post-activation Performance Enhancement)
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