Post-Activation Potentiation Effect after Acute Plyometric Exercises on the Performance of Long Jumpers

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Background. Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is a technique that aims to optimize yield by performing stimuli minutes before the main activity. However, the effect of plyometric exercise (PE) for long jumpers PAP and the effective recovery interval is not understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PE at different rest intervals as a strategy for long jumpers PAP. Methods. The sample consisted of 11 young athletes (16.2 ± 1.3 years; 57.8 ± 7.9 kg and 166 ± 12 cm), who performed horizontal jump under different resting times after PAP: 1) PE + 1 minute break (P1min); PE + 3 minutes apart (P3min); control condition (C) performed only the jump. The following variables were evaluated: Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Approach velocity in the last 15 meters (Vel_15m), Contact Time at the Push Board (CT), Height and Distance of the jump. Results. The contact time on the impulse board was shorter in the P1min condition (14.63 ± 0.94 s vs 15.27 ± 0.81 s; p = 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.72) and P3min vs control ( 14.36 ± 0.89 s vs 15.27 ± 0.81 s; p = 0.009; Cohen’s d = 1.06); the height of the jump was higher at P1min (180.16 ± 7.08 cm vs 173.44 ± 12.70 cm; p = 0.043; Cohen’s d = 0.06) and P3min vs control (182.30 ± 10.68 cm vs 173.44 ± 12.70 cm; p = 0.005; Cohen’s d = 0.07). The variables approach velocity, CMJ, SJ and jump distance did not differ. Conclusions. From the current results, PE can be an effective strategy to reduce the contact time on the jump board and increase height of the jump in young competing in long jump.