Acute Effects of Complex Training Using Three Different Intracomplex Rest Intervals on Power Output in Recreationally Trained College Students

Power is often referred to as explosiveness and is viewed as essential for many athletes within a wide range of sports. Power in sports is important in relation to its foundation in other specific abilities like first step- quickness, acceleration, and reaching top speeds (Cronin, Hansen, 2005). This research study examines the acute effects of complex training using three different intracomplex rest intervals (ICRI) on power output in recreationally trained college students. The goal of this study was to find the optimal ICRI for complex training (CT) by completing a countermovement jump on a force plate after a 3-RM back squat through the physiological process of post-activation potentiation (PAP). Power output was measured via Vertical Impulse (BW⦁s). Sixteen West Chester University students performed one baseline session and 3 experimental sessions. The experimental ICRI's that were tested were 1-minute, 2-minutes, and 4-minutes. Vertical Impulse (BW⦁s) data was measure and analyzed using a force plate and Bioware software. Results of the study revealed that the mean peak Vertical Impulse (BW⦁s) measured in units of BW⦁s of all three experimental sessions (1-minute = 3.241 BW⦁s, 2-minute = 3.394 BW⦁s, 4- minute = 3.556 BW⦁s) was significantly less than the baseline session (baseline = 4.183 BW⦁s). While our study was not able to determine an optimal ICRI, and more research is needed in this specific area, the results were in alignment with previous research reporting a diminished effect of complex training on less trained individuals