split squat

Frontiers in physiology — Journal Article

matched text: “split squat”

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols are commonly used to improve power, yet their influence on inter-limb force symmetry remains unclear. This study examined the effects of a PAPE protocol on inter- and intra-session symmetry and performance during a countermovement (CMJ. Ten American football players preparing for the National Football League’s draft completed a complex PAPE protocol consisting of two baseline CMJ trials on dual uniaxial force plates, followed by three sets of maximum effort lower-body lifts (e.g., split squats) alternated with two CMJ trials. Jump height (JH), reactive strength index modified (RSImod), and asymmetry indices for concentric impulse (CIA), eccentric impulse asymmetry (EIA), and eccentric:concentric mean work ratio (ECC:CON) were analyzed across three sets and three weekly sessions. RM ANOVAs showed significant intersession increases in JH (week 3: p = 0.011), RSImod (weeks 1–3: p < 0.01), and EIA (week 3: p = 0.036). Intrasession improvements were observed in JH, RSImod, EIA, CIA, and ECC:CON; however, they did not reach statistical significance (all p > 0.05). Mean EIS values were consistently higher than CIA across all sessions (e.g., week 3 peak EIA: 13.7 ± 9.1%; CIA: 6.3 ± 4.9%). Findings suggest that the PAPE protocol effectively enhances reactive strength but has a limited impact on correcting inter-limb asymmetries in impulse production. Targeted unilateral interventions may be necessary to address asymmetry.

matched text: “split squats”