Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) and taurine combination improves anaerobic performance in highly trained wrestlers: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study

BACKGROUND: PAPE is a physiological phenomenon that temporarily enhances muscular strength and responsiveness following high-intensity muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a PAPE protocol combined with taurine supplementation on anaerobic performance, blood lactate levels, and neuromuscular fatigue in highly trained male wrestlers. METHODS: Twenty elite male wrestlers participated in a double-blind, crossover design comprising three separate sessions: (i) control with no supplementation or PAPE protocol (CON), (ii) PAPE protocol with placebo (PAPE*PLA), and (iii) PAPE protocol with taurine supplementation (PAPE*TAU). In the PAPE*PLA and PAPE*TAU conditions, participants completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions of squat and hip thrust exercises at 85% of their one-repetition maximum. Either a taurine supplement or a sucrose placebo was administered 60 minutes before the protocol. Five minutes after the PAPE protocol, the Wingate anaerobic power (WanT) test was conducted, while CMJ tests were performed before (CMJ-pre), immediately after (CMJ-post), and five minutes following (CMJ-post-5) the WanT. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the combination of the PAPE protocol with taurine supplementation enhances anaerobic performance, supports neuromuscular function, and promotes metabolic recovery following high-intensity exercise. These findings suggest a synergistic effect that may benefit athletes engaged in explosive and anaerobic sports such as wrestling.