The Acute Effects of Strength-Based Post-Activation Performance Enhancement on Multiple Neuromuscular Performance Variables in Male Basketball
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of the Heavy-Load Activation (HLA) protocol on neuromuscular performance variables, including explosive power, acceleration, and change of direction (COD) ability in male basketball players.
Method: 20 male basketball players aged 18–25 years with at least 5 years of basketball experience participated in the study. Participants were evaluated before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the HLA protocol using the Standing Long Jump (SLJ), 10 m Sprint, and 505 Agility tests. The HLA protocol consisted of 3–5 repetitions of squat exercises performed at 80–85% of each athlete’s 1 RM. Post-test measurements were conducted 6 minutes after the protocol. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and pre- and post-test comparisons were conducted using the Paired Samples t-test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, as appropriate.
Results: Significant improvements were observed in all performance variables following the HLA protocol (p < 0.05). SLJ performance increased by 0.71% (Cohen's dz = 0.70), 10 m Sprint time decreased by 0.58% (Cohen's dz = 0.56), and 505 Agility test time decreased by 0.49% (Cohen's dz = 0.57).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the HLA protocol may contribute to short-term improvements in explosive power, acceleration, and COD performance. HLA-based activation strategies may be considered as a practical approach for performance preparation in sports requiring rapid force production and directional changes.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Sports Training, Exercise Physiology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Yusuf Gözaçık
*
0000-0003-3525-4847
Türkiye
Publication Date
September 20, 2026
Submission Date
June 26, 2026
Acceptance Date
September 8, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 2026