Isometric vs. Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading: Acute PAPE Responses

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Soccer
• Performance
• Contraction

Interventions

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.).

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).

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.).

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.

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).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate · Karabuk University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-08-01

Primary Completion

2026-08-30

Completion

2026-09-05

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations