Post-activation potentiation: possible physiological mechanisms and its application during power athletes’ warm up - doi: 10.4025/reveducfis.v21i1.5977

Abstract

Warm-up is a common practice among athletes. Evidences suggest that conventional warm-up routines may prevent injuries and improve performance in tasks dependent on oxygen provision to the muscles. However, it is questionable whether this approach is valid for athletes relying mainly on muscle power. Some studies propose that these athletes may benefit from the addition of strength exercises on their conventional warm-up routines. This hypothesis is based on the potentiation phenomenon, which is triggered when muscles are activated by means of high intensity stimulation. Thus, this review aimed to investigate the existing literature and discuss if the proposed addition of strength exercises on a conventional warm-up routine may be beneficial for athletes competing in power events. In addition, the work presents the possible mechanisms responsible for potentiation and identifies appropriate strategies for triggering this phenomenon, improving performance.