Inducing postactivation performance enhancement on water polo overhead throwing performance

Abstract

Postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a training method to maximise an athlete’s rate of force development (power output) with an acute improvement effect 1. There is currently a paucity of research in water-based and/or overhead throwing-related sports (i.e., water polo), and no scientific evidence illustrating the throwing efficacy (velocity and accuracy) and repeatability of PAPE activities have on the overhead throw. This study compared the effects of two different PAPE activities, seated resistance band pulldown (SRBP) and prone isometric floor push (PIFP), have on water polo throwing performance and explored the intervention’s repeatability. The study hypothesised that: i) Both PAPE activities improve maximal throwing velocity without reducing throwing accuracy; ii) they are repeatable training protocols; iii) PAPE optimal latency period is individualised. Eight national men’s water polo players were recruited to participate in the randomised crossover study design on the two PAPE intervention sessions and the repeatability sessions. Participants performed their routine warmup before completing their pre-test shots, prescribed PAPE intervention, and post-test shots for comparison. Repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to determine if maximal throwing velocity and throwing accuracy differ between both PAPE activities, however no significant differences were observed for both PAPE activities in improving throwing velocity or accuracy. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was conducted to evaluate repeatability of the interventions and showed good reliability and moderate-excellent validity range. Data trends showed individual improvements in throwing velocity, suggesting that PAPE responders should incorporate interventions into their warmup to improve throwing performance since intervention repeatability is reliable.