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23-04-2024 | Original Article

Optimization of post-activation potentiation in girls and women

Authors: Andrew McKiel, Stacey Woods, McKenna Faragher, Gregory Taylor, Rene Vandenboom, Bareket Falk

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology

Abstract

Background

Maximal conditioning contractions (CCs) can lead to the enhancement of evoked-twitch characteristics in human skeletal muscle. This phenomenon is termed post-activation potentiation (PAP). In the knee extensors, PAP is greater in men compared with boys. In adults, the optimal CC duration for PAP is ~ 10 s. We examined child–adult differences in PAP among females and aimed to determine the optimal CC duration in girls and women.

Methods

Eleven girls (9.3 ± 1.4 years) and 13 women (23.4 ± 2.7 years) participated in this study. Maximal isometric evoked twitches were recorded in the knee extensors before and after 4 maximal CCs of different durations (5, 10, 20, and 30 s), in a random order. PAP was calculated as the percent-change in peak torque (Tpeak) and peak rate of torque development (RTDpeak) after each CC.

Results

There was a group-by-duration interaction (p < 0.001), reflecting greater Tpeak PAP in women compared with girls following 5 and 10 s CCs, and lower RTDpeak PAP in women following the 30 s CC. The 5 and 10 s CCs lead to the greatest Tpeak and RTDpeak PAP amongst the women while there were no differences between CC durations in girls.

Conclusion

After both a 5 and 10 s CC, women have greater PAP compared with girls. The optimal CC duration for the knee extensors in women appears to be ~ 5-10 s, while CC durations between 5 and 30 s do not appear to affect levels of PAP in girls.

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Title: Optimization of post-activation potentiation in girls and women
Authors: Andrew McKiel
Stacey Woods
McKenna Faragher
Gregory Taylor
Rene Vandenboom
Bareket Falk
Publication date: 23-04-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05475-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Optimization of post-activation potentiation in girls and women

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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