Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, cilt.1, ss.1-7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The squat exercise is frequently used to induce Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) in the lower extremities, and it is well known that different squat techniques elicit distinct muscle activations. In this context, this study aimed to determine which squat depth (partial or parallel) is more effective at eliciting the PAP effect. In this cross-sectional study, 13 male volunteers regularly engaged in resistance exercise, with an average age of 21.07 ± 2.72 years, a height of 178.15 ± 3.69 cm, and a weight of 71.23 ± 5.27 kg, participated. The research comprised four sessions. During the initial session, anthropometric measurements were taken, theoretical information about the test procedures was provided, and trial sessions were conducted. In the second session, participants' baseline vertical jump performances and 1RM maximal strengths were determined. The third session involved implementing the partial squat protocol to induce the PAP effect, followed by the measurement of vertical jump performances. Lastly, the parallel squat protocol was applied in the fourth session, followed by the measurement of vertical jump performances. The study's findings revealed statistically significant improvements in vertical jump performance following both squat protocols compared to baseline, with the parallel squat protocol producing greater enhancements than the partial squat (p < 0.05). Consequently, it is understood that PAP may be effective for enhancing acute lower-extremity strength, and the parallel squat appears to be the more effective technique for inducing the PAP effect.