Abstract
Limited research has addressed the design of postactivation potentiation (PAP) protocols using conditioning contractions (CC) that include upper body movements. The purpose of this study was to determine if the hang clean will enhance vertical jump (VJ) and 30m dash performances to a greater extent than the back squat due its greater biomechanical specificity. Eight track-and-field athletes underwent four testing sessions. The outcome measures included: VJ height and power, 30m dash time and split-times, motion and kinematic analyses during the 30m dash and electromyographic measurements of the anterior deltoid (AD) and vastus lateralis (VL) during both tests. No significant differences were found for VJ height and power. A significant main effect for CC was found for the 30m dash. Split-times results showed significant differences among split-times and CC. Motion analysis showed no significant differences for the stride patterns during the 30m dash. Kinematic variables during the first stride showed a significant difference for knee flexion between CC. During the second stride significant differences were found for elbow and knee extension between athlete types. Electromyography results for the VJ showed no significant differences for the AD factors and a significant main effect between CC and athlete type for the VL. No significant differences were found for the factors of the AD or VL during the 30m dash. PAP may be an effective tool to improve athletic performance; however, it’s critical for the athletes to assess if they respond favorably to this technique and what CC will best potentiate their performance.