Isometric vs. Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading: Acute PAPE Responses (IPP vs DPP)

July 6, 2026 updated by: Neslihan AKÇAY, Karabuk University

Acute Post-Activation Performance Responses to Isometric and Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading Protocols: A Randomized Crossover Trial

This randomized crossover study compared the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols performed with and without electromyostimulation (EMS). Participants completed five randomized experimental conditions: maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), dynamic contraction (DC), MVIC+EMS, DC+EMS, and EMS only (O-EMS). Baseline and post-intervention assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJWH), zig-zag agility, and shooting speed, with post-tests conducted after a 4-minute recovery period. Perceptual responses, including ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived discomfort (RPD), and fatigue (VAS), were recorded immediately after each protocol. All sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 16:00 under standardized conditions, with protocol order randomized and participants instructed to avoid strenuous exercise and food intake before testing.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

This study aimed to compare the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols, with and without EMS. All testing sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 16:00 to minimize the potential effects of circadian rhythms and fatigue on performance. The study was conducted using a randomized, crossover design. On the remaining five experimental days, the order of the protocols was randomized for each participant using a computer-generated randomization sequence (randomizer.org) to reduce order effects. During the first session, participants' anthropometric measurements were recorded, their one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat loads were determined, and they were familiarized with the equipment and testing procedures. Participants completed five separate experimental sessions consisting of the following conditions: [A] Isometric Contraction + EMS (MVIC-EMS), [B] Dynamic Contraction + EMS (DC-EMS), [C] Dynamic Contraction (DC), [D] Isometric Contraction (MVIC), and [E] Only EMS (O-EMS). Before each experimental protocol, baseline measurements were obtained using countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with hands (CMJWH), zig-zag agility test, and shooting speed assessments. After each protocol, all tests were repeated after a 4-minute rest period (Chen et al., 2023). Under all conditions, the electrodes were placed identically by the same experienced researcher. Subsequently, players' shooting speeds were measured using a radar gun, with two trials performed and the highest value recorded. Immediately after each experimental protocol, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived discomfort (RPD), and perceived fatigue level were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded. Participants were instructed to refrain from food intake for 1.5 hours before testing, to avoid resistance training throughout the study period, and were verbally encouraged during all testing sessions.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

22

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

  • Name: Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Turkey
      • Karabük, Turkey, Turkey (Türkiye), 78200
        • Karabuk University
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Cem Sofuoğlu
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Wolfgang Kemmler, Prof.Dr.
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Andre Filipovic, Prof.Dr.
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Metehan Yana, Doctorate
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Erşan Arslan, Prof.Dr.

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Being healthy
  • Male volleyball athletes
  • Willing to maintain the intervention for all sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Being under 18 years old
  • Having a chronic disease
  • Contraindications for exercise

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Condition 1
Dynamic contraction
Other: dynamic conraction
Participants performed a dynamic back squat conditioning protocol on a Smith machine consisting of five sets of one repetition at 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 1 min of passive recovery between sets. Each repetition included a controlled descent to approximately 90° of knee flexion, an explosive concentric phase, a 2-s isometric hold at full knee extension, and a slow, controlled eccentric phase (Pincivero et al.). All repetitions were supervised to ensure proper technique. The protocol was selected based on previous evidence supporting high-intensity resistance exercise as an effective conditioning activity for inducing PAPE responses (Dobbs et al.).
Experimental: Condition 2
isometric contraction
Other: isometric contraction
The isometric contraction protocol was conducted as described by Koźlenia and Domaradzki (2023) and Lim and Kong (2013). Participants assumed a squat position in a squat rack with the barbell fixed in place and the knee joint positioned at approximately 90° of flexion (Profitness 1030, Türkiye). The barbell was secured to the rack using safety pins, and participants were instructed to exert maximal force against the immovable bar to produce a MVIC. Each contraction lasted 3 seconds, and a total of 3 repetitions were performed with 2 min of rest between repetitions (Koźlenia & Domaradzki, 2023; Lim & Kong, 2013).
Experimental: Condition 3
Dynamic + EMS contraction
Other: dynamic and EMS contraction
Participants performed a dynamic back squat conditioning protocol on a Smith machine consisting of five sets of one repetition at 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 1 min of passive recovery between sets. In the DC-EMS condition, electromyostimulation (EMS) was applied simultaneously throughout the conditioning protocol. Each repetition included a controlled descent to approximately 90° of knee flexion, an explosive concentric phase, a 2-s isometric hold at full knee extension, and a slow, controlled eccentric phase (Pincivero et al.). All repetitions were supervised to ensure proper technique. The protocol was selected based on previous evidence supporting high-intensity resistance exercise as an effective conditioning activity for inducing PAPE responses (Dobbs et al.).
Experimental: Condition 4
Isometric + EMS Contraction
Other: isometric and EMS conraction
The isometric contraction protocol was conducted as described by Koźlenia and Domaradzki (2023) and Lim and Kong (2013). Participants assumed a squat position in a squat rack with the barbell fixed in place and the knee joint positioned at approximately 90° of flexion (Profitness 1030, Türkiye). The barbell was secured to the rack using safety pins, and participants were instructed to exert maximal force against the immovable bar to produce an MVIC. Each contraction lasted 3 seconds, and a total of three repetitions were performed with 2 min of rest between repetitions (Koźlenia & Domaradzki, 2023; Lim & Kong, 2013). In the MVIC-EMS condition, electromyostimulation (EMS) was applied simultaneously during each maximal voluntary isometric contraction.
Experimental: Condition 5
EMS contraction
Other: ems contraction
EMS was delivered bilaterally to the quadriceps using a portable stimulator (Compex Rehab 400, Compex Medical SA, Switzerland) with a biphasic symmetrical rectangular waveform (75 Hz, 450 μs). Four self-adhesive electrodes were placed over the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles of both legs. Participants remained seated for 10 min with the knees flexed at approximately 90° and the hips flexed at approximately 110°, while receiving EMS without performing any voluntary contractions. Stimulation intensity was gradually increased to the highest level tolerated by each participant and maintained throughout the intervention (Paillard et al., 2008; Sofuoğlu et al., 2025).

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height
Time Frame: aseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Change in countermovement jump (CMJ) height (cm) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol, measured using a jump assessment system.
aseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Countermovement Jump with Arm Swing (CMJWH) Height
Time Frame: Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Change in countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJWH) height (cm) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol.
Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Zig-Zag Agility Performance
Time Frame: Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Change in zig-zag agility performance time (s) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol.
Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Shooting Speed
Time Frame: Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition
Change in maximal shooting speed (km/h) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol, measured using a radar gun.
Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)
Time Frame: Immediately after each experimental condition
Rating of perceived exertion assessed immediately after each conditioning protocol using the Borg CR-10 scale.
Immediately after each experimental condition
Rating of Perceived Discomfort (RPD)
Time Frame: Immediately after each experimental condition
Rating of perceived discomfort assessed immediately after each conditioning protocol using the Borg CR-10 scale.
Immediately after each experimental condition
Perceived Fatigue
Time Frame: Immediately after each experimental condition
Perceived fatigue assessed immediately after each conditioning protocol using a visual analog scale (VAS).
Immediately after each experimental condition

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Karabuk University

Investigators

  • Study Chair: Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate, Karabuk University

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

August 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

August 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

September 5, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 6, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 6, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

July 10, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 10, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 6, 2026

Last Verified

July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • UKarabuk-6

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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