Effects of Post-Activation Potentiation with maximal power loads on Sprint and Change of Direction performance in basketball players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) protocol based on half squat on sprint and change of direction performance. 12 basketball players participated in this investigation performing two sessions. In the first session, participants executed a half squat incremental test in a Smith machine in order to determine maximal power output during the concentric phase. In the second session, after a standardized warm-up, participants performed a sprint test (30 m) and a change of direction test (V-Cut test). After that, the players performed six half squat repetitions with the maximal power output load obtained in the first session. After four minutes rest, they performed the sprint and the change of direction test. Sprint time was 4.72 ± 0.25 s before PAP and 4.71 ± 0.25 s after PAP. V-Cut test was 8.06 ± 0.44 s and 7.98 ± 0.38 s before and after PAP, respectively. A PAP protocol based on half squat with maximal power output during concentric phase load did not serve to enhance sprint and change of direction performance in basketball players.