Publication Date

2025

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Whitley Stone, Polly de Costa Valladão, Silvio, Scott Arnett

Degree Program

School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a neuromuscular phenomenon where high-intensity conditioning activities (CA) temporarily improve explosive performance. While resistance and ballistic exercises are well-studied for PAPE, the effectiveness of kettlebell swings (KBS) in enhancing Standing Power Throw (SPT) performance remains unclear. Given the SPT’s role in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), identifying effective PAPE strategies could improve ACFT scores. Using a randomized crossover design, this study examined whether KBS before the SPT enhanced throw distance in 19 ROTC cadets (male: n = 17, female: n = 2). Participants completed two conditions: (1) KBS (two sets of five reps with a 40-lb kettlebell) before the SPT and (2) the control condition walked for three minutes, the same duration it took to complete the KBS protocol. Both included a standardized warm-up and a five-minute rest before testing. The best throw from two attempts was recorded, and a two-way repeatedmeasures ANOVA assessed performance differences. Results showed no significant improvement in SPT performance with KBS compared to rest (F = 0.418, p = 0.526, η² = 0.023). Several factors may explain this, including suboptimal load selection—either insufficient or excessive—for effective neuromuscular potentiation, limited movement specificity between KBS and SPT, and variability in participant training levels. Since PAPE effects are more pronounced in trained individuals, the freshmen participants' limited KBS experience may have hindered potentiation. Future research should explore CAs with greater biomechanical specificity, higher loads, and individualized protocols to optimize PAPE in military performance assessments.

Disciplines

Biomechanics | Exercise Science | Kinesiology | Life Sciences

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