Effect of post-activation potentiation in Athletics: a systematic review

Abstract

Post-activation potentiation is a physiological phenomenon reported to increase muscle performance during high-intensity exercise. To induce post-activation potentiation, maximal strength or power short-duration activities are performed minutes prior the main activity in an attempt to enhance performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate previous publications on the effects of post-activation potentiation on athletic performance. This systematic review used Scielo, Pubmed and SporDiscus database with the following search terms either alone or grouped together: post-activation potentiation, exercise, athletics, track and field, sprint, long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, javelin throw, hammer throw e discus throw. The review provided evidence that performing squat, jump and sprint exercises prior to the main activity elicited a state of potentiation that would improve sprint and throw performances and that preparatory activities that can cause post-activation potentiation should be used to improve athletic performance.