Post-activation performance enhancement, is this strategy recommended to increase the strength training volume? A systematic review

The effects of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols on the number of repetitions in subsequent exercises are still under debate. This systematic review aimed to examine studies investigating the PAPE effect on strength training volume.

PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched in April 2024. Studies were selected if they included voluntary conditioning activity and a control protocol in a crossover design, focusing on volume as the outcome. The data are presented qualitatively, with some quantitative data such as mean, standard deviation, change, or effect size included. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of the studies.

Nine studies were included out of the initial 2769 manuscripts retrieved. Sample sizes varied from 10 to 32 men, most of whom were strength trained (n = 8). Five studies presented volume in multiple sets, and four in a single set. The exercises evaluated were bench press, back squat, and leg press. Six studies observed a positive PAPE effect, with increased exercise volume, while three did not. Differences in volume favoring the PAPE condition showed one to seven additional repetitions, varying across single or multiple exercise sets.

The results of the studies are inconsistent, although most demonstrate a positive effect on volume with high intensities, longer intervals, and fewer repetitions in PAPE protocols. Future studies should refine methods by isolating PAPE protocols from general warm-ups. Additionally, understanding the impact of 1 to 7 extra repetitions on training adaptations is essential for validating this strategy.