# Post-Activation Potentiation Enhancement Response of Two Complex Training Sequences
## 4 Discussion
Only a significant increase at post 1 min compared to baseline was found in the push-off time (fatigue indicator) for the HL-LL sequence. Therefore, both conditioning activity sequences showed similar acute fatigue after 1 min. However, it seems that the acute fatigue did not inhibit the PAPE response, and other factors could have contributed to the lack of overall PAPE response (such as intra-set and between exercises recovery periods, training load, time point evaluated, or strength level of participants). Previous studies have recommended a rest period between heavy load and glyometric exercises of 4-12 min [32; 33]. In our case, the last time point evaluated was 8 min. Analyzing the individual results, the HL-LL sequence had a similar number of participants benefiting at 1 and 8 min post-conditioning activity, while with the LL-HL sequence most of the participants benefited at 4 and 8 min post-conditioning activity. Although more studies are needed to clarify these results about the timeline of the PAPE effect between subjects, it seems that the acute enhancement of CMJ after a high load squat (3 RM) is dependent on the individualized recovery period of the athletes [33]. Future studies should evaluate the optimal resting time after HL-LL and LL-HL with higher time points after the CPX protocol than in our study. It is likely that no differences exist between the two sequences due to the heterogeneity of the participants. Despite all being physically active men, they had varying levels of relative strength. Weaker subjects might also be more affected by recovery times after both sequences, which could prevent them from achieving improvements and even lead to overall declines, unlike stronger subjects who may not experience the same effects. For this reason, we subsequently conducted an analysis based on relative strength. The sample was divided into two balanced groups regarding the relative 1 RM back squat (weak, 1.22 \(\pm\) 0.10 1 RM/BM; strong, 1.65 \(\pm\) 0.28 1 RM/BM.). Of those participants who did not improve CMJ in each sequence, three out of eight cataloged as stronger did not improve in the HL-LL sequence, while there were five out of eight in the sequence LL-HL sequence. Thus, the PAPE response appears also to be dependent on the strength levels of the individual [11] and stronger athletes seem to benefit more from a conditioning activity of CPX exercises with high loads first and lower loads after, being the opposite for the weaker athletes. Therefore, we can suggest that athletic populations, due to higher strength levels, might benefit more from the LL-HL sequence. This study is not without its limitations. A priori sample size estimation indicated that a minimum of 20 participants was required to detect a moderate effect size ([PERSON]'s f = 0.25; \(\alpha\) = 0.05; power [1 - \(\beta\)] = 0.90). However, the participants were not homogeneous in terms of relative strength (1 RM back squat/body mass). To evaluate the influence of strength level on individual responses, the sample was divided a posteriori into two groups based on the 50 th percentile of relative strength. Consequently, the two subgroups of stronger and weaker athletes would require a larger sample size to conduct a more detailed analysis of the influence of this factor on the PAPE response. Moreover, in this study, only recreationally active men were evaluated, so the effect of these CPX combinations in other types of more active or athletic populations should be studied. As practical applications, we recommend using PAPE protocols before key training sessions during competition weeks. Given the high interindividual variation observed in the study, this protocol should be implemented prior to competition to determine which sequence enhances the athlete's performance. It is also advisable to choose the sequence on the individual's strength level. Athletes with a relative strength above 1.5 (1 RM/BM) could use HL-LL sequence, while those with lower relative strength could use the LL-HL sequence.