Postactivation potentiation: upper body force development changes after maximal force intervention.

The neuromuscular phenomenon postactivation potentiation can possibly be used to increase the rate of force development (RFD) and maximal power (Pmax). Various intervention protocols have been examined with varying results. Maximal intervention protocols using 1 repetition maximum (1RM) have been examined in earlier studies in the lower body with positive results, but no studies have investigated maximal protocols on the upper body. Using maximal protocols would furthermore eliminate the uncertainties when expressing intensity as either numbers of RM or percentage of 1RM and hence emphasize standardization. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the force development characteristics in the upper body after a maximal bench-press intervention. Eight strength trained male athletes performed an intervention protocol consisting of 5x 1RM in the bench press. Pre and post the intervention, a test consisting of either an isometric maximal voluntary contraction or a bench throw was completed to measure isometric RFD (iRFD) or Pmax, respectively. Statistical significance was accepted at p