THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CONDITIONED CONTRACTION TYPES ON POST ACVTIVATION POTENTIATION IN MALE RUGBY UNION PLAYERS.

Abstract

The current study was conducted to examine the effects that different conditioned contraction types had post activation potentiation. Previous research has shown that a multitude of different conditioned activities can elicit a PAP response under the right conditions. Having said this, not much research has focused on which types of contractions are most effective. Seven male rugby union players (mean ± SD age, 21.1±0.7; body mass, 91.0kg± 15.2kg; height, 178cm± 0.1cm) performed a set of three drop jumps four minutes before and after a particular CC. These CC’s consisted of a set of ten CMJ’s, 5 dynamic squats at 80% 1RM and a ten second MVC at 120% 1RM. Averages for JH and PP were taken for each set of DJ’s, results were then compared pre and post each intervention. DJ’s were performed off of a 20 inch box onto an AMTI force plate. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify whether difference in each variable pre and post CC’s varied between each CC used. A significance value of <0.05 was implemented, and one ANOVA was used for each intervention. Mauchly’s test of sphericity showed that sphericity could be assumed among both ANOVA’s, however, no significant differences could be found. It was delineated that although as a single sample no significant differences were found, some individuals did benefit from PAP. However, responses to particular CC’s deviated between individuals. It was therefore concluded that when deciding what CC to use to elicit PAP, strength and conditioning coaches should examine individual affects, as oppose to team responses.