Does Moderate-Load Priming Activity Influence Maximal Upper-Body Performance and Perceptual State?

Peter W Harrison, Vincent G Kelly, David G Jenkins, Michael R McGuigan, Patrick M Holmberg, Lachlan P James

Journal: Journal of strength and conditioning research 2023;37(11):e581-e587

PMID: 37883407

Abstract

Harrison, PW, Kelly, VG, Jenkins, DG, McGuigan, MR, Holmberg, PM, and James, LP. Does moderate-load priming activity influence maximal upper-body performance and perceptual state?. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): e581-e587, 2023-The results of previous research indicate that resistance exercise "priming" may improve strength-power measures within 48 hours after their completion. Although researchers have primarily examined performance responses after lower-body priming stimuli, investigations examining the effects of upper-body resistance priming exercises are presently limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine upper-body pushing and pulling performance in addition to perceptual responses 3 and 27 hours after moderate-load (ML) upper-body resistance priming exercise. Fourteen resistance-trained men were assigned to complete ML priming (4 × 3 bench press and bench pull at 65% 1RM [repetition maximum]) and control (rest) protocols in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Peak velocity during the bench throw and bench pull tests involving different loads (25, 50, and 75% 1RM) showed no practical change at 3 and 27 hours after the priming session (p = 0.216-0.99, Cliff's d = -0.041 to 0.225). Small effect size increases in perceptual measures ("physical feeling," "physical performance," "aggression" [p = 0.400-0.553, Cliff's d = 0.183-0.201], and "muscular heaviness" [p = 0.178, Cliff's d = 0.231]) were found at 3 hours postpriming. A moderate practical increase was observed in perceived "physical feeling" compared with control (p = 0.385, Cliff's d = 0.349) in addition to small effect size increases in perceived "physical performance" and "aggression" (Cliff's d = 0.243-0.290) at 27 hours after priming activities. These results indicate that upper-body strength-power changes within 27 hours after ML upper-body resistance exercise priming are not practically meaningful.

Address: School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.; Queensland Academy of Sport, Nathan, Australia.; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.; School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia.; Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom.; Sports Performance Research Inst New Zealand (SPRINZ), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand; and.; Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia.

DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004537

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MeSH Terms: Male, Humans, Muscle Strength, Resistance Training, Exercise, Exercise Therapy, Weight Lifting, Muscle, Skeletal