The Effect of Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) Training on Selected Physical and Physiological Variables in Football Players Under 15 Years of Age

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of training based on the Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) method on selected physical and physiological variables in youth football players aged 13–15 years at Peshmerga Football Club. The PAP-based training program involved activating the muscles used in subsequent movements through high-intensity resistance exercises followed by rapid, explosive movements, with the aim of enhancing explosive physical performance and cardiovascular function. The study sample consisted of a number of youth football players from Peshmerga Football Club; however, the exact sample size was not specified in the provided text. The players were divided into two groups: an experimental group that followed the PAP-based training program and a control group that continued with the regular training program. The intervention lasted eight weeks, with three training sessions per week. Physical performance was assessed using a 30-m sprint test, a vertical jump test, and an agility test. The physiological variables measured before and after the intervention included heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. The findings indicated significant improvements in sprint performance, agility, and vertical jump performance in the experimental group compared with the control group. Improvements in cardiovascular function were also reported, as reflected in a lower resting heart rate and reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that PAP-based training may be effective in improving selected physical and physiological variables in youth football players. The program was implemented based on the researchers’ proposed training procedures, informed by consultations with experts and coaches, alongside the participants’ adherence to the prescribed training sessions.