Can Short, Intense Exercise Before Sprinting Improve Times? - Abstract
Introduction: Skeletal muscle contractile response is partially determined by recent contractile history. Post-activation performance-enhancement (PAPE) is a phenomenon that increases muscle force beyond previous contractions. Pre-load exercise potentiates short-term effects on explosive exercises, which may benefit sprint swimming. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if short, high-intensity pre-load exercises before sprinting improves 25-yard sprint times. Methods: Eleven female DII swimmers with different years of experience (age 19.09 ± 1.58, height 169 ± 5.92 cm, mass 64.65 ± 9.56 kg) completed a baseline sprint followed by three sprints under two conditions, with and without PAPE conducted 48 hours apart, in a randomized crossover design. Results: Although there was a tendency for PAPE to improve time on sprint 1, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.5). Conclusion: There was no significant difference after PAPE, however, no detrimental effects were observed. Athletes may choose to use PAPE as a warm up or part of a pre-race routine.