The Effect of Potentialization afterElectro-Stimulation Activation on VerticalHeel Performance

Abstract

Introduction: Post Activation Potentiation (PAP) is the effect caused by a conditioning exercise with maximum or submaximal loads that promotes increased explosive strength in the subsequent activity. This phenomenon is due to the phosphorylation of light chain regulatory myosin manifesting in fast-twitch type II fibers. Electro-stimulation is a method that uses electric currents to promote involuntary muscle contraction, and its higher incidence in type II fibers because they have thicker and more superficial nerve endings. Objective: To compare the effects of an electro-stimulation protocol with a plyometric protocol to induce PAP on vertical jump performance. Methods: Plyometric Protocol (PP) - 2 sets of 10 ankle hops, 3 sets of 5 hundle hops, and 5 cold jumps. Electro-stimulation Protocol (EP) - Protocol 32 Neurodyn device 4 channels, Russian current, 90% of pain threshold with 3 "rise, 12" on, 3 "decay and 18" off with 70Hz frequency burst during 5 'and control condition (CC). 5 'after each protocol the Jump Power Test (JPT) was performed and 3' after the jump resistance test (RS). Results: Only the PP produced a significant effect when compared to the other protocols (p ≤ 0.05) PP+EP (290,49 ± 14,28 e 280,36 ± 10,26) (p=0.016) and PP+CC (290,49 ± 14,28 e 280,18 ± 12,07) (p=0.006). Regarding the% fatigue, the PP protocol had indices higher than the EP protocol (p=0.054) and CC (p=0.050). Conclusion: It was concluded that the electro-stimulation did not produce PAP effect nor in greater magnitude than the Plyometric protocol, but had the highest jump resistance compared to the control condition and plyometrics.