Isometric vs. Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading: Acute PAPE Responses

Acute Post-Activation Performance Responses to Isometric and Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading Protocols: A Randomized Crossover Trial

This randomized crossover study compared the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols performed with and without electromyostimulation (EMS). Participants completed five randomized experimental conditions: maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), dynamic contraction (DC), MVIC+EMS, DC+EMS, and EMS only (O-EMS). Baseline and post-intervention assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJWH), zig-zag agility, and shooting speed, with post-tests conducted after a 4-minute recovery period. Perceptual responses, including ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived discomfort (RPD), and fatigue (VAS), were recorded immediately after each protocol. All sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 16:00 under standardized conditions, with protocol order randomized and participants instructed to avoid strenuous exercise and food intake before testing.

This study aimed to compare the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols, with and without EMS. All testing sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 16:00 to minimize the potential effects of circadian rhythms and fatigue on performance. The study was conducted using a randomized, crossover design. On the remaining five experimental days, the order of the protocols was randomized for each participant using a computer-generated randomization sequence (randomizer.org) to reduce order effects. During the first session, participants' anthropometric measurements were recorded, their one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat loads were determined, and they were familiarized with the equipment and testing procedures. Participants completed five separate experimental sessions consisting of the following conditions: [A] Isometric Contraction + EMS (MVIC-EMS), [B] Dynamic Contraction + EMS (DC-EMS), [C] Dynamic Contraction (DC), [D] Isometric Contraction (MVIC), and [E] Only EMS (O-EMS). Before each experimental protocol, baseline measurements were obtained using countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with hands (CMJWH), zig-zag agility test, and shooting speed assessments. After each protocol, all tests were repeated after a 4-minute rest period (Chen et al., 2023). Under all conditions, the electrodes were placed identically by the same experienced researcher. Subsequently, players' shooting speeds were measured using a radar gun, with two trials performed and the highest value recorded. Immediately after each experimental protocol, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived discomfort (RPD), and perceived fatigue level were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded. Participants were instructed to refrain from food intake for 1.5 hours before testing, to avoid resistance training throughout the study period, and were verbally encouraged during all testing sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being healthy
• Male volleyball athletes
• Willing to maintain the intervention for all sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being under 18 years old
• Having a chronic disease
• Contraindications for exercise