This study aimed to determine the effect of complex training (CT) on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) effect magnitude, 5- and 30-m linear sprint, 5-0-5 change-of-direction (COD), back squat (BS) and hip thrust (HT) one-repetition maximum [1RM], and jumping performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ], and broad jump [BJ]). The PAPE effect was elicited before and after each intervention by 3 BS repetitions at 90% 1RM and verified by CMJ performance. Twenty-four soccer players were randomly and equally assigned to 6 weeks of either medium (MED; [65-70%1RM]) or high-intensity (HIGH; [80-85%1RM]) CT performed twice a week. The HIGH group significantly improved their 5-m time (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 1.91), 30-m time (p = 0.001; ES = 0.66), BS 1RM (p = 0.019; ES = 0.19) and HT 1RM (p = 0.035; ES = 0.26), BJ length (p = 0.012; ES = 0.62) and DJ height (p = 0.002; ES = 0.57) from pre- to post-intervention. The MED group significantly improved their 5-m time (p = 0.004; ES = 0.52), BS 1RM (p = 0.019; ES = 0.36) and BJ length (p = 0.012; ES = 0.7). Significantly shorter 5-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.63) and greater DJ height percentage increase (p < 0.001; ES = 1.81) were found in the HIGH group compared to the MED group. Moreover, a significant main effect of the group, indicating a higher PAPE response in the MED group compared to the HIGH group for CMJ peak power output, was observed at both pre- and post-CT intervention (p = 0.045; η2 = 0.171). Six weeks of either medium or high-intensity CT could be used to enhance jumping performance, linear speed and lower-body maximum strength among soccer players. Superior improvements in acceleration and DJ might be expected after high-intensity CT than medium intensity. Medium-intensity CT can improve PAPE response.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Muscle strength and postural control are essential components for performing daily living activities, particularly in older adults, and can therefore serve as screening tools for assessing fall risk in this population. METHODS: The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the impact of a 12-week exercise intervention followed by a 2-week detraining period on lower limb strength and postural stability in older adults. The study involved 38 community-dwelling participants of Central European origin over 60 years of age. Participants underwent the measurements consisting of assessments of knee flexors and extensors strength (isokinetic dynamometer, 90° range of motion, 60°/s angular velocity, Humac Norm CSMI, Stoughton MA, USA), toe grip strength (toe grip dynamometer, Takei Scientific Instruments, Niigata, Japan), and postural stability (narrow stand, 30 s, Kistler, Switzerland). Testing was repeated three times during the study (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and post-detraining). Participants were separated into 3 groups according to the type of training: resistance training group (n = 13), proprioceptive training group (n = 14), and endurance training group (n = 11). The intervention program lasted 12 weeks, two 60-min sessions per week. A linear mixed model (LMM) predicted a change in postural stability after the resistance, proprioceptive, and endurance exercise interventions were applied. RESULTS: Results showed that knee extensor strength normalized to body mass significantly increased in the resistance training group post-intervention (p = 0.01). Toe grip strength was significantly higher after the intervention in the endurance training group (p = 0.02). A statistically significant increase in knee flexor strength was observed in the proprioceptive training group (p = 0.01). The 2-weeks detraining period revealed no statistically significant loss in training gains. The LMM found different predictions of postural stability changes related to knee extensor strength after each type of training intervention. The final LMM model explains well the variability of the dependent variable R2 = 0.866. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the unique characteristics of specific exercise interventions in enhancing muscular strength and postural stability, which are critical for fall prevention among older adults.
- MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Exercise * physiology MeSH
- Lower Extremity * physiology MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Linear Models MeSH
- Resistance Training * methods MeSH
- Postural Balance * physiology MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Muscle Strength * physiology MeSH
- Exercise Therapy * methods MeSH
- Accidental Falls prevention & control MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Stuart, A, Vetrovsky, T, Cochrane-Snyman, KC, Vieira, A, and Tufano, JJ. Investigating the consistency in countermovement jump performance after high-velocity and high-force PAPE: A multiday analysis. J Strength Cond Res 39(7): e843-e853, 2025-Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) is widely acknowledged in both practical application and research. However, studies have primarily focused on single experimental PAPE sessions, neglecting the repeatability of protocols with the same individuals over time. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PAPE, involving high-velocity and high-force conditioning activities, could be observed at consistent time points across multiple sessions. Sixteen elite speed skaters (9 men: 23.1 ± 2.6 years and 7 women: 24.2 ± 4.7 years) participated in 6 sessions for each independent study. For all sessions, a standardized warm-up was performed, followed by 3 baseline bodyweight countermovement jumps (CMJ), and a potentiation protocol of 5 repeated band-assisted countermovement jumps at approximately 20% bodyweight reduction, or a single 5-second maximal effort isometric squat. Subsequently, subjects rested for 3, 5, and 7 minutes before performing a single bodyweight CMJ at each time point. Multiday analyses of variance showed mixed results for both protocols, with most effect sizes ranging from trivial to small. Linear mixed models indicated that at the individual level, subjects did not consistently jump higher at any specific post-PAPE rest time. The variance between baseline and post-PAPE jump height at the rest time that produced the greatest result was neither statistically significant nor statistically different ( p > 0.05), compared with other rest times. Postactivation performance enhancement was identifiable across sessions but variability in jump performance and inconsistent effects made it difficult to observe repeatable responses within individuals over time, thus questioning the idea of "individualizing" PAPE in practice.
- MeSH
- Skating * physiology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Plyometric Exercise * MeSH
- Athletic Performance * physiology MeSH
- Muscle Strength physiology MeSH
- Warm-Up Exercise physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
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.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the acute effects of overcoming isometric split squats on subsequent single-leg drop jump (DJ) performance and the contralateral effect in volleyball players, considering training status differences. METHODS: Ten male elite (ELI) and ten amateur (AMA) volleyball players took part in two experimental sessions in which they performed conditioning activity (CA) consisted of 3 sets of overcoming isometric 3-second split squats, differing in the limb used: dominant (DL) or non-dominant (ND-L). Single-leg DJ was performed before and at the 4th and 8th minute post-CA for both limbs. The best post-CA attempt in terms of jump height (JH) was analyzed. RESULTS: Results revealed a significant increase in jump height (JH) in the non-dominant limb (ND-L) from 13.7 ± 2.6 cm to 15.5 ± 2.7 cm after CA performed by the ND-L (p = 0.001; Hedge's g = 0.65). Similarly, the reactive strength index (RSI) of the ND-L improved from 0.40 ± 0.06 to 0.45 ± 0.08 (p = 0.008; g = 0.58). Additionally, contact time in the ND-L increased significantly from 342 ± 36 ms to 375 ± 42 ms after CA performed by the dominant limb (p = 0.001; g = 0.66). In the elite (ELI) group, JH significantly increased from 16.4 ± 2.4 cm to 18.3 ± 3.3 cm (p < 0.001; g = 0.79), while RSI in the dominant limb (DL) improved from 0.47 ± 0.06 to 0.53 ± 0.07 (p = 0.011; g = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the examined CA effectively induces the post-activation performance enhancement in DJ among elite volleyball players, with a predominantly local impact on the limb executing the CA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06459050 (Retrospectively registered).
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Background/Objectives: Hip and knee arthroplasty relieves pain, restores mobility, and improves function in severe joint damage, though pain and strength loss may persist post-surgery. Better pre-surgery function and activity predict improved arthroplasty outcomes. Prehabilitation programs enhance functional abilities, reducing hospitalization duration, and lowering peri-surgery complication risks. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of four weeks of different modalities of tele-home-prehabilitation programs on perceived pain and functional capacity in patients who are eligible for hip or knee arthroplasty. Methods: Forty-four patients (aged 65-80 years) eligible for elective lower limb arthroplasty were enrolled in the present randomized controlled trial study. Participants were randomly assigned to the Electrostimulation Group (EG) or the Home-Based Exercise Group (HG). The EG performed underwent teleprehabilitation program using indirect neuromuscular electrostimulation therapy, while the HG performed home-based exercise supervised by a sports specialist. Functional capacity was assessed with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the 30 s Chair Stand test (30CST) and the Six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). Quality of life was assessed with the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) or Oxford Knee Score (OKS), depending on the participants' surgery. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire was completed by the EG after the intervention. Results: No significant differences were found among groups in the 30CST and TUG tests. The analyses revealed significant differences for the Oxford Questionnaires and 6MWT. Conclusions: Our study highlights the potential of teleprehabilitation using indirect neuromuscular electrostimulation to improve walking autonomy and quality of life of individuals who are candidates for lower limb arthroplasty.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the image quality of the Siemens Biograph mCT40 (photomultiplier-based system - PMT) and the Siemens Vision600 (silicon photomultiplier-based system - SiPM) using a modified NEMA IEC Body phantom (Data Spectrum). METHODS: SiPM-based Vision600 has a smaller crystal size (3.2 × 3.2 mm vs. 4.0 × 4.0 mm in the PMT-based mCT40), resulting in better spatial resolution. Enhanced time-of-flight (TOF) timing and higher sensitivity leads to nearly four times higher effective sensitivity. The standard NEMA IEC Body phantom was modified with a 3D-printed holder to accommodate also Hollow and Micro Hollow Spheres of 15.4 mm, 12.4 mm, 7.9 mm, 6.2 mm, 5.0 mm, and 4.0 mm. Each of the three acquisition sessions per scanner included 18 time points and spanned 5.6 half-lives to assess system performance at varying activity concentrations in the field of view. RESULTS: Recovery curves for both systems were similar when identical post-reconstruction filters were applied. The SiPM-based Vision600 system detected smaller sources at significantly lower activity concentrations, and the variations in standardized uptake value (SUVmax, SUVA50) measurements were generally smaller compared to those of the PMT-based system. The two smallest sources became undetectable below 63 MBq and 16 MBq on the PMT system, versus 20 MBq and 6.5 MBq on the SiPM system. CONCLUSIONS: SiPM technology demonstrated superior performance compared to PMT in detecting small sources in low-activity scenarios and provided more robust quantification results. It is recommended to use averaged SUV metrics, such as SUVA50 or SUVpeak.
Background: The tempo of resistance exercises is known to influence performance outcomes, yet its specific effects on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fast versus slow repetitions at a load of 70% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) in the bench press exercise, focusing on velocity, surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity, and applied force while equating time under tension on bench press throw performance. Methods: Eleven men (age: 23.5 ± 5.4 years, height: 1.79 ± 0.04 m, body mass: 79.1 ± 6.4 kg, maximum strength 1-RM: 91.0 ± 12.0 kg) participated. Two experimental conditions (FAST and SLOW) and one control (CTRL) were randomly assigned. Participants performed two sets of six repetitions as fast as possible (FAST condition) and two sets of three repetitions at a controlled tempo (SLOW condition) at half the concentric velocity of FAST, as determined in a preliminary session. Before and after the bench press participants performed bench press throws tests (Pre, 45 s, 4, 8, and 12 min after). Results: sEMG activity and peak force during the bench press were higher in FAST vs. SLOW conditioning activity (p < 0.001), with time under tension showing no significant differences between conditions (p > 0.05). Mean propulsive velocity (MPV) during the bench press throw improved equally in both FAST and SLOW conditions compared with baseline from the 4th to the 12th min of recovery (FAST: +6.8 ± 2.9% to +7.2 ± 3.3%, p < 0.01, SLOW: +4.0 ± 3.0% to +3.6 ± 4.5%, p < 0.01, respectively). Compared to the CTRL, both conditions exhibited improved MPV values from the 4th to 12th min (p < 0.01). Peak velocity improvements were observed only after the FAST condition compared to the baseline (p < 0.01) with no differences from SLOW. For all muscles involved and time points, sEMG activity during bench press throws was higher than CTRL in both experimental conditions (p < 0.01), with no differences between FAST and SLOW. Peak force increased in both FAST and SLOW conditions at all time points (p < 0.05), compared to CTRL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that post-activation performance enhancement is independent of movement tempo, provided that the resistive load and total time under tension of the conditioning activity are similar. This study provides valuable insights into the complex training method for athletes by demonstrating that varying tempo does not significantly affect post-activation performance enhancement when load and TUT are equated.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Chemosensory learning is a lifelong process of acquiring perceptual expertise and semantic knowledge about chemical stimuli within the everyday environment. In the research context, it is usually simulated using olfactory training, which typically involves repeated exposure to a set of odors over a period of time. Following olfactory training, enhanced olfactory performance has been observed in adults, and similar evidence is beginning to emerge in children. However, the literature is scant concerning the effects of interventions that more closely resemble how chemosensory experience is acquired in daily life. Since children's chemosensory ecology appears to play a crucial role in olfactory development, we investigated whether engaging in activities that stimulate the chemical senses enhances olfactory performance and metacognition. To this end, we invited 20 children aged 9-11 years to participate in teacher-assisted after-school activities for 30-60 minutes a day for six weeks. During the odd weeks, the children appraised herbal and spice blends and used them to prepare dishes and make beauty products. During the even ones, they explored the city by smellwalking and created smellscape maps. The educational outcomes were evaluated using the Sniffin' Sticks test for odor identification and discrimination and the Children's Personal Significance of Olfaction. Bayesian analyses did not reveal any compelling evidence in support of the alternative hypothesis that children in the chemosensory education group outperform those in the comparison group at the post-test. Rates of reliable increase but also decrease in performance on the Sniffin' Sticks identification and discrimination tests were similar in both groups. We corroborated the previous findings regarding girls' and older children's greater proficiency at identifying odors and the female keener interest in the sense of smell. We offer several practical suggestions researchers may want to consider to tailor their research protocols to reflect more closely the broader context in which chemosensory learning takes place and better capture the nuanced outcomes of such interventions.
- MeSH
- Bayes Theorem MeSH
- Smell * physiology MeSH
- Olfactory Perception * physiology MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Odorants * MeSH
- Schools MeSH
- Learning physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Syringin is a major ingredient of phenolic glycoside in Acanthopanax senticosus. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to investigate whether Syringin could protect high glucose-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) injury, cell senescence, and osteoporosis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling. METHODS: BMSCs isolated from both the tibia and femur of mice were induced for osteogenesis. The cell senescence was induced using the high glucose medium. The cells were treated with 10 and 100 μmol/l Syringin. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to determine the β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) levels in differentially treated BMSCs. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis were also performed to assess cell viability and cell cycle. The level of ROS in cells with different treatment was measured by using flow cytometry with DCF-DA staining. Calcium deposition and mineralized matrices were detected with alizarin red and ALP staining, respectively. Osteogenesis related genes OCN, ALP, Runx2, and BMP-2 were detected by RT-PCR. Levels of senescence-related proteins including p53 and p21, as well as JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Syringin treatment reversed the phenotypes of senescence caused by high glucose in BMSCs, including the arrest of G0/G1 cell cycle, enhanced SA-β-gal activity, and impaired cell growth. Syringin also decreased the elevated ROS production and the levels of p53, p21, and JAK2/STAT3 signaling activation. In addition, Syringin also enhanced the osteogenic potential determined by ARS and ALP staining, as well as increasing OCN, ALP, Runx2, and BMP-2 expressions. CONCLUSION: Syringin protects high glucose-induced BMSC injury, cell senescence, and osteoporosis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling.
- MeSH
- Phenylpropionates pharmacology MeSH
- Glucose * metabolism toxicity MeSH
- Glucosides * pharmacology MeSH
- Janus Kinase 2 * metabolism MeSH
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells * drug effects metabolism MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Osteogenesis * drug effects MeSH
- Osteoporosis * prevention & control metabolism chemically induced pathology drug therapy MeSH
- Reactive Oxygen Species metabolism MeSH
- Signal Transduction * drug effects MeSH
- Cellular Senescence * drug effects MeSH
- STAT3 Transcription Factor * metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
