Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Single and Multi-Joint Exercises With BFR and EMS in Male Volleyball Players

Investigators used a randomized controlled crossover design to compare the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) protocols on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in multi-joint versus single-joint exercises. Participants took part in six test sessions 72 hours apart. In the BFR group, 50% of the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was used. In the EMS group, a 75 Hz current was applied. In the Low Resistance exercise group, only exercise was performed without any condition. Bench press (multi-joint) and triceps push-down (single-joint) exercises were used in the conditions.

Participants took part in six test sessions 72 hours apart. All tests were performed between 2 and 4 pm to reduce the influence of circadian rhythms or fatigue on performance. Anthropometric measurements, 1 RM test, and grip strength and serving speed tests were determined before the practice session on the first day as a control condition. On the other six experimental days, players were randomly assigned to protocols (BFR, EMS, and LOW-LOAD) using software (http://www.randomizer.org). In the BFR group, 50% of the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was used. In the EMS group, a 75 Hz current was applied. In the Low Resistance exercise group, only exercise was performed without any condition. Bench press (multi-joint) and triceps push-down (single-joint) exercises were used in the conditions. In all protocols, participants performed a standardized warm-up protocol consisting of a 5-minute run at 9 km/h on a treadmill and a general warm-up consisting of 3 minutes of whole-body light stretching exercises. Following the warm-up and pre-exercise protocols, grip strength and service speed tests were performed with rest periods.