The effect of different priming activities performed 24 hours prior to competition

The purpose of this study was to examine if performing a lower body resistance training priming activity effects athletic performance completed 24 hours later. University level field hockey players (N = 10) completed 1 control (CON) and 2 experimental trials on separate days. A randomised, counter-balanced experimental design with cross-over was used across three conditions. The CON trial consisted of complete abstention from physical activity. For the ‘strength’ (STR) experimental trial participants performed a parallel back squat exercise for 5 sets of 2 repetitions with 90% 1RM; while for the ‘hypertrophy’ (HYP) experimental approach was 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 75% 1RM. Subjects attended a testing session 24 hours after each trial, consisting of CMJ, SJ, 22-cm DJ, 38-cm DJ and 40 m sprint. The 5 m sprint performance was significantly better (p < 0.05) for CON group when compared to the HYP group. No other significant differences were highlighted between trials. The results indicate that performing resistance training in-line with STR and HYP the day before competition does not improve athletes’ performance. The results also suggest how a lower body STR priming activity can be implemented the day before competition without negatively impact subsequent performance. For the strength and conditioning coach, this may be a useful window to train athletes during the ‘in-season’ schedule.