Delayed potentiation effects on neuromuscular performance after optimal load and high load resistance priming sessions using velocity loss

Aim: (i) to compare the effects of two different low‐volume resistance priming sessions, where the external load is modified on neuromuscular performance after 6 h of rest; and (ii) to identify the effects on psychological readiness in participants with resistance training experience. Methods: Eleven participants (Body mass: 77.0 ± 8.9 kg; Body height: 1.76 ± 0.08 m; Half squat repetition maximum: 139.8 ± 22.4 kg) performed the priming session under three experimental conditions in a randomized and cross‐over design during the morning. The control (CON) condition: no resistance training, “optimal load” (OL) condition: two half‐squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the “optimal load”, and 80% of repetition maximum (80% RM) condition: 2 half‐squat sets with a velocity loss of around 20% were performed with the 80% RM. Countermovement jump (CMJ), mean power with OL (MP OL ) and 80% RM (MP 80RM ), and mean velocity with OL (MV OL ) and 80% RM (MV 80RM ) were assessed six hours after the intervention. Subjective readiness was also recorded prior to resistance training and evaluation. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: CMJ was higher after the 80% RM intervention than CON ( p < 0.001; Δ = 6.5% [3.4–9.5]). MP OL and MV OL seemed to be unaffected by both morning sessions. Higher MP 80RM ( p = 0.044; Δ = 9.7% [4.0–15.6]; d = 0.24[0.10–0.37]) and MV 80RM ( p = 0.004; Δ = 8.1% [3.2–13.3]; d = 0.32[0.13–0.52]) after 80% RM than after CON were observed. No effect was observed on psychological readiness. Conclusions: 80% RM priming session increased CMJ height and the capacity to generate power and velocity under a high‐load condition without any effect on psychological readiness.