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Resistance Priming to Enhance Neuromuscular Performance in Sport: Evidence, Potential Mechanisms and Directions for Future Research

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Abstract

Recent scientific evidence supports the use of a low-volume strength–power ‘resistance priming’ session prior to sporting competition in an effort to enhance neuromuscular performance. Though research evidence relating to this strategy is presently limited, it has been shown to be effective in improving various measures of neuromuscular performance within 48 h. Post-activation potentiation strategies have previously been shown to enhance strength–power performance within 20 min of completing maximal or near-maximal resistance exercise. Comparably, a delayed potentiation effect has been demonstrated following ‘resistance priming’ at various times between 1 and 48 h in upper- and lower-body performance measures. This may have significant implications for a range of athletes when preparing for competition. Various exercise protocols have been shown to improve upper- and lower-body neuromuscular performance measures in this period. In particular, high-intensity resistance exercise through high loading (≥ 85% 1 repetition maximum) or ballistic exercise at lower loads appears to be an effective stimulus for this strategy. Although current research has identified the benefits of resistance priming to some physical qualities, many questions remain over the application of this type of session, as well as the effects that it may have on a range of specific sporting activities. The aims of this brief review are to assess the current literature examining the acute effects (1–48 h) of resistance exercise on neuromuscular performance and discuss potential mechanisms of action as well as provide directions for future research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia

    Peter W. Harrison & David G. Jenkins

  2. Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, QLD, Australia

    Peter W. Harrison

  3. Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition, and Sport, School of Allied Health, Latrobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia

    Lachlan P. James

  4. Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Mike R. McGuigan

  5. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

    Vincent G. Kelly

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Correspondence to Peter W. Harrison.

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This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship and by the Queensland Academy of Sport’s Sport Performance Innovation and Knowledge Excellence Unit.

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Peter Harrison, Lachlan James, Mike McGuigan, David Jenkins and Vincent Kelly declare that they have no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this review.

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Harrison, P.W., James, L.P., McGuigan, M.R. et al. Resistance Priming to Enhance Neuromuscular Performance in Sport: Evidence, Potential Mechanisms and Directions for Future Research. Sports Med 49, 1499–1514 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01136-3

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