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NCT Number: NCT06874829

Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Single and Multi-Joint Exercises With BFR and EMS in Male Volleyball Players

Investigators used a randomized controlled crossover design to compare the effect of blood flow restriction (BFR) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) protocols on post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in multi-joint versus single-joint exercises. Participants took part in six test sessions 72 hours apart. In the BFR group, 50% of the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was used. In the EMS group, a 75 Hz current was applied. In the Low Resistance exercise group, only exercise was performed without any condition. Bench press (multi-joint) and triceps push-down (single-joint) exercises were used in the conditions.

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Key information

Conditions

Volleyball Players Muscle Strength Post Activation Potentiation

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Karabuk University

Karabük, Turkey, 78200, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Participants took part in six test sessions 72 hours apart. All tests were performed between 2 and 4 pm to reduce the influence of circadian rhythms or fatigue on performance. Anthropometric measurements, 1 RM test, and grip strength and serving speed tests were determined before the practice session on the first day as a control condition. On the other six experimental days, players were randomly assigned to protocols (BFR, EMS, and LOW-LOAD) using software (http://www.randomizer.org). In the BFR group, 50% of the arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was used. In the EMS group, a 75 Hz current was applied. In the Low Resistance exercise group, only exercise was performed without any condition. Bench press (multi-joint) and triceps push-down (single-joint) exercises were used in the conditions. In all protocols, participants performed a standardized warm-up protocol consisting of a 5-minute run at 9 km/h on a treadmill and a general warm-up consisting of 3 minutes of whole-body light stretching exercises. Following the warm-up and pre-exercise protocols, grip strength and service speed tests were performed with rest periods.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Being healthy
  • Male volleyball athletes
  • Willing to maintain the intervention for all sessions

Exclusion criteria

  • Being under 18 years old
  • Having a chronic disease
  • Contraindication for Electromyostimulation (EMS)
  • Contraindication for Blood Flow Restriction (BFR)
  • Contraindications for exercise

Treatment and study plan

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Other

EMS will be applied bilaterally to the wrist flexor and elbow extensor muscles using a portable EMS stimulator (Compex Rehab 400, Medicompex SA, Ecublens, Switzerland). Four 2 mm thick, self-adhesive electrodes (5x5 cm) will be placed on the superficial aspect of each muscle group. The athletes will simultaneously receive EMS intervention with a pulse frequency of 75 Hz and a duration of 400 μs (19 seconds rest between pulses) during bench press and triceps pushdown exercises. Bench press and triceps push down exercises will be performed with 30% 1TM, 30-15-15-15 repetitions and thirty seconds rest between sets.

Other names: EMS

Blood Flow Restriction

Other

The arterial occlusion pressures (AOP) of the athletes randomized to the experimental group will be obtained automatically with the digital LED display CAC device BFR Unit (Fit Cuffs BFR Unit, Denmark). The AOP pressure device BFR Unit (Fit Cuffs BFR Unit, Denmark) will be used to apply 50% occlusion pressure during exercise. Bench press and triceps push down exercises will be performed with 30% 1TM, 30-15-15-15 repetitions and thirty seconds rest between sets.

Other names: BFR

Low-Load Resistance Exercise

Other

Bench press and triceps pushdown exercises will be performed with 30% 1RM, 30-15-15-15 repetitions and 30 seconds rest between sets.

Other names: LL-RE

Primary outcomes

  1. Service speed

    Time frame: From baseline to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Service speed will assess by standard radar apparatus (Net Playz Smart Pro Speed Radar, USA) and will record in km/h.

  2. Hand Grip strength

    Time frame: From baseline to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

    Hand grip strength will assess by hand grip dynamometer (Takei 5,101, Tokyo, Japan) and will record in kg.

Other outcomes

  1. Bench Press 1Repetition maximum Test

    Time frame: Baseline

    The 1RM values of the participants will assess by using a bench press machine.

  2. Triceps Push Down 1 repetition maximum Test

    Time frame: Baseline

    The participants will instruct to assume a standing position in front of the triceps push-down machine, holding the bar with both hands in the pronated position at shoulder width. During the execution of this exercise, the participants will maintain their arms near their torso, ensuring that there was no contact between the arms and the body.

  3. Anthropometric Measurements 1

    Time frame: Baseline

    Participants' height (cm) will assess by using a stadiometer (Holtain Stadiometer, England).

  4. Anthropometric Measurements 2

    Time frame: Baseline

    Body weight (kg) will asses by Inbody 270 (Biospace, California, USA).

  5. Anthropometric Measurements 3

    Time frame: Baseline

    Body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) will asses by Inbody 270 (Biospace, California, USA).

  6. Anthropometric Measurements 4

    Time frame: Baseline

    Body fat percentage (%) will asses by Inbody 270 (Biospace, California, USA).

    Baseline

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Karabuk University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Post-activation Performance Enhancement in Multi- vs Single-Joint Movements: A Comparative Study of BFR and EMS in Male Volleyball Athletes

Acronym: PAPE-BFR-EMS

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Mar 13, 2025
Registry last updated
Mar 13, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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