| Description |
Postactivation potentiation (PAP) warm-ups have been proposed as a method for enhancing power. Few researchers have investigated the effects of PAP warm-ups on sprinting performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a PAP warm-up using sled resistance sprinting at different loads on subsequent unloaded sprints. Twenty-four well-trained, anaerobically fit men and women, ages 18-28, participated in this study. They were assessed on vertical jump, cycling power, and body composition, and later, pretested in the 40 yd sprint on 4 nonconsecutive days prior to conducting a PAP warm-up that included a resistance sprint of either 0, 10, 20, or 30% of their respective body weight. Each resistance sprint was recorded for kinematic analysis. At the end of each PAP warm-up, a post-40 yd dash time was recorded. A 2 x 2 x 4 factorial mixed ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between genders in 40 yd dash times (p < .001). A significant main effect difference was found in pre-and post-40 yd dash measures regardless of gender (p < .001). The results indicated that for the four resistance sled warm-ups tested, there were no significant differences in the post-40 yd dash times between loads, and the load by time interaction was not significant. The participants' 40 yd dash times improved 1.2% on average after the 10% load; for the unresisted sprint (0% load), and the 20% and 30% loads, the improvements were greater than 2% on average. Analyses of sprint kinematics demonstrated statistically significant differences in forward lean, hip flexion, and shoulder flexion between lighter and heavier loads ( all p's < .05). iv Even after significant disruptions in sprint mechanics, there appears to be a potential for heavier sled resistances to bring about acute improvements in 40 yd sprint performance; more so than 10% load. However, it may not be of greater benefit than warming up with 0% resistance. A replication of this study is needed, which includes but is not limited to: variations in sled load, recovery time, and additional interventions such as a PAP warm-up using squats, and a passive warm-up. |
