Resistance ExercisePAPENCT06825065
Post-activation Performance Enhancement Improves
A study testing PAPE Protocol in people with Resistance Exercise, run by University of Gaziantep at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study investigates the acute effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) on the number of repetitions performed to volitional failure and total training volume in resistance-trained men. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Resistance Exercise
- What is being tested?
- PAPE Protocol
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 9 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Mar 2024to 28 Apr 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants must be 18-30 years old.
- Only biologically male participants are eligible to participate in the study.
- Participants must have at least 1 year of continuous resistance training experience.
- Participants should be healthy, with no musculoskeletal disorders or injuries in the previous 6 months.
- Participants must have experience in performing the half-squat exercise as part of their regular training routine.
- Participants must be willing to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- Participants who are currently using performance-enhancing drugs or have a history of chronic drug use.
- Participants with a history of neuromuscular disease, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular diseases, or any orthopedic limitations.
- Participants who are using supplements such as caffeine or any other substances that might interfere with performance or the study protocol.
- Participants who perform high-intensity aerobic training or resistance training outside their routine, which may interfere with study procedures.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Gaziantep University, Faculty of Sport Sciences
Gaziantep, Şehitkamil, 27350
About this study
Official title: Acute Effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement on Half-Squat Training Volume and Repetition Performance in Strength-Trained Men: A Randomised Crossover Study
This study investigates the acute effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) on the number of repetitions performed to volitional failure and total training volume in resistance-trained men. The research is designed as a randomized crossover trial where participants perform two different exercise protocols under controlled conditions.
The study includes 9 healthy, strength-trained male volunteers aged 18-30 years, with at least one year of resistance training experience. Participants complete two experimental conditions:
Read more
PAPE Protocol: A warm-up followed by 3 repetitions at 90% of 1RM, a 10-minute rest, and then 3 sets of half-squat at 75% 1RM until volitional failure.
Control (CON) Protocol: A warm-up followed by 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM, a 4-minute rest, and then 3 sets of half-squat at 75% 1RM until volitional failure.
The primary outcome measures are:
Total training volume (set × reps × weight) Number of repetitions performed The study aims to determine whether PAPE improves total volume and repetition performance in resistance training. The findings could contribute to better training strategies for athletes and fitness professionals.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Gaziantep University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2022/373), and all participants provided informed consent before participation.
Read the detailed description
This study explores the acute effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) on repetition performance and training volume during a half-squat exercise in resistance-trained men. PAPE is a physiological phenomenon in which performance is enhanced following a conditioning activity (CA) involving a high-intensity resistance exercise. The study focuses on its effect on resistance training (RT) performance, specifically the number of repetitions performed to volitional failure and the total training volume during a half-squat exercise.
Study Design The study follows a randomized crossover design. Each participant performs both experimental protocols: PAPE and Control (CON) conditions. A random assignment is used to ensure that each participant experiences both conditions in separate sessions, with a 72-hour rest period between them to allow full recovery.
Participants Total number of participants: 9 trained male university students, aged 18-30 years, with at least 1 year of resistance training experience.
Inclusion Criteria:
Male participants aged 18-30 years No musculoskeletal disorders or injuries in the previous 6 months At least 1 year of continuous resistance training, including use of the half-squat exercise
Exclusion Criteria:
Doping or chronic drug use History of neuromuscular, metabolic, hormonal, or cardiovascular diseases Orthopedic limitations Use of supplements (e.g., caffeine) that may interfere with performance Participation in high-intensity training outside of the study protocol Interventions PAPE Protocol: Participants perform a warm-up consisting of 3 repetitions at 90% of 1RM, followed by a 10-minute rest. After the rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of 1RM until volitional failure.
Control (CON) Protocol: Participants perform a warm-up consisting of 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM, followed by a 4-minute rest. After the rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of 1RM until volitional failure.
Outcome Measures
The primary outcomes of this study are:
Total Volume: The total weight lifted, calculated as set × repetitions × load. Repetition Count: The number of repetitions performed until volitional failure in each set.
Procedures Session 1: Anthropometric measurements are taken (e.g., height, weight, body mass index). Participants are familiarized with the half-squat exercise.
Session 2: 1RM (one-repetition maximum) for the half-squat is measured using a Smith machine.
Session 3 \& 4: Participants are randomly assigned to either the PAPE or Control condition. Both protocols are performed on separate days, with 72 hours of rest in between.
Training and Testing Protocol Warm-Up: For PAPE, participants perform 3 repetitions at 90% of their 1RM. For the Control group, 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM are performed.
Rest Periods: A 10-minute rest follows the PAPE warm-up, and a 4-minute rest follows the Control warm-up.
Testing Protocol: After the rest periods, participants perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of 1RM until failure in both conditions.
Ethical Considerations The study protocol has been approved by the Gaziantep University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2022/373). All participants have provided written informed consent before their participation, ensuring their understanding of the study procedures and any potential risks.
Statistical Analysis Data will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to compare total volume and repetition counts between the PAPE and Control conditions. Effect sizes will be calculated using Cohen's d for volume and partial eta-squared (ηp2) for repetition count.
Expected Impact This study aims to explore whether the PAPE protocol can significantly improve training outcomes by increasing the total volume and number of repetitions in a resistance training session, specifically in the half-squat exercise. If proven effective, PAPE could be incorporated into training strategies for athletes and fitness professionals aiming to maximize their performance and muscle hypertrophy.
- Conditions
- Resistance Exercise
- Being tested
- PAPE Protocol, Control Protocol
- Keywords
- Post-Activation Performance, Resistance Training, Failure
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
PAPE ProtocolBehavioural
In this intervention, participants perform a warm-up consisting of 3 repetitions at 90% of 1RM. After a 10-minute rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. This protocol is designed to enhance performance through the post-activation potentiation effect.
Control ProtocolBehavioural
In this intervention, participants perform a warm-up consisting of 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM. After a 4-minute rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. This protocol is used as a baseline for comparison with the PAPE protocol.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| PAPE Protocol | Experimental | Participants in this group will first perform a warm-up consisting of 3 repetitions at 90% of their 1RM. After a 10-minute rest, they will perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. Receives: Behavioral: PAPE Protocol |
| Control Protocol | Active comparator | Participants in this group will perform a warm-up consisting of 8 repetitions at 50% of their 1RM. After a 4-minute rest, they will perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. Receives: Behavioral: Control Protocol |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Total Training Volume (kg)
The total volume lifted during the half-squat exercise. It is calculated as set × repetitions × load for each set across all sets.
Measured: Immediately after exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise
Secondary outcomes (1)
Number of Repetitions Performed to Volitional Failure
The total number of repetitions performed to the point of volitional failure (when the participant can no longer perform the exercise).
Measured: Immediately after exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2025
- Study start10 Mar 2024
- Primary completion10 Apr 2024
- Study completion28 Apr 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Resistance ExerciseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- This model is suitable because your study uses a randomized crossover design, where each participant undergoes both the PAPE and Control (CON) protocols in a randomized order, with a washout period between them to ensure full recovery.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 9 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Gaziantep
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zarife Pancar, University of Gaziantep
- Investigators
- Zarife Pancar Assistant Professor, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Gaziantep
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06825065
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-03
- Other IDs
- 2022/373
- Acronym
- PAPE
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 4 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: The following Individual Participant Data (IPD) will be shared after the completion of the study: Demographic Information: Age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for each participant. Training Data: Duration of resistance training experience and frequency of training per week. 1RM Measurements: One-repetition maximum (1RM) values for the half-squat exercise for each participant. Outcome Measures: Total training volume (set × repetitions × load) during each protocol. Number of repetitions performed to volitional failure during each protocol. Fatigue Data: Self-reported fatigue levels after each set during the study. Protocol Data: Information on the exact sequence of protocols (PAPE vs. Control) that each participant underwent, including rest periods and exercise load. These data will be shared in anonymized form to ensure participant privacy and confidentiality. The data will be made available for future analysis or collaborations that support the study's aims, and will b
Publications
Pancar Z, Ilhan MT, Karaday E, Karaca B, Pardos EM, Praca GM, Carneiro L, Nobari H. Acute effects of post-activation performance enhancement on half-squat training volume and repetition performance in strength-train men: a randomised crossover study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Feb 10;18(1):128. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01598-9.
PubMed 41668151
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Acute Effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement on Half-Squat Training Volume and Repetition Performance in Strength-Trained Men: A Randomised Crossover Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06825065
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PAPE / GAUN-SBF-PANCAR-03
- Conditions
- Resistance Exercise
- Keywords
- Post-Activation Performance, Resistance Training, Failure
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 9 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of GaziantepUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Apr 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 Apr 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates the acute effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) on the number of repetitions performed to volitional failure and total training volume in resistance-trained men. The research is designed as a randomized crossover trial where participants perform two different exercise protocols under controlled conditions.
The study includes 9 healthy, strength-trained male volunteers aged 18-30 years, with at least one year of resistance training experience. Participants complete two experimental conditions:
PAPE Protocol: A warm-up followed by 3 repetitions at 90% of 1RM, a 10-minute rest, and then 3 sets of half-squat at 75% 1RM until volitional failure.
Control (CON) Protocol: A warm-up followed by 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM, a 4-minute rest, and then 3 sets of half-squat at 75% 1RM until volitional failure.
The primary outcome measures are:
Total training volume (set × reps × weight) Number of repetitions performed The study aims to determine whether PAPE improves total volume and repetition performance in resistance training. The findings could contribute to better training strategies for athletes and fitness professionals.
Ethical approval was obtained from the Gaziantep University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2022/373), and all participants provided informed consent before participation.
Detailed description
This study explores the acute effects of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) on repetition performance and training volume during a half-squat exercise in resistance-trained men. PAPE is a physiological phenomenon in which performance is enhanced following a conditioning activity (CA) involving a high-intensity resistance exercise. The study focuses on its effect on resistance training (RT) performance, specifically the number of repetitions performed to volitional failure and the total training volume during a half-squat exercise.
Study Design The study follows a randomized crossover design. Each participant performs both experimental protocols: PAPE and Control (CON) conditions. A random assignment is used to ensure that each participant experiences both conditions in separate sessions, with a 72-hour rest period between them to allow full recovery.
Participants Total number of participants: 9 trained male university students, aged 18-30 years, with at least 1 year of resistance training experience.
Inclusion Criteria:
Male participants aged 18-30 years No musculoskeletal disorders or injuries in the previous 6 months At least 1 year of continuous resistance training, including use of the half-squat exercise
Exclusion Criteria:
Doping or chronic drug use History of neuromuscular, metabolic, hormonal, or cardiovascular diseases Orthopedic limitations Use of supplements (e.g., caffeine) that may interfere with performance Participation in high-intensity training outside of the study protocol Interventions PAPE Protocol: Participants perform a warm-up consisting of 3 repetitions at 90% of 1RM, followed by a 10-minute rest. After the rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of 1RM until volitional failure.
Control (CON) Protocol: Participants perform a warm-up consisting of 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM, followed by a 4-minute rest. After the rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of 1RM until volitional failure.
Outcome Measures
The primary outcomes of this study are:
Total Volume: The total weight lifted, calculated as set × repetitions × load. Repetition Count: The number of repetitions performed until volitional failure in each set.
Procedures Session 1: Anthropometric measurements are taken (e.g., height, weight, body mass index). Participants are familiarized with the half-squat exercise.
Session 2: 1RM (one-repetition maximum) for the half-squat is measured using a Smith machine.
Session 3 \& 4: Participants are randomly assigned to either the PAPE or Control condition. Both protocols are performed on separate days, with 72 hours of rest in between.
Training and Testing Protocol Warm-Up: For PAPE, participants perform 3 repetitions at 90% of their 1RM. For the Control group, 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM are performed.
Rest Periods: A 10-minute rest follows the PAPE warm-up, and a 4-minute rest follows the Control warm-up.
Testing Protocol: After the rest periods, participants perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of 1RM until failure in both conditions.
Ethical Considerations The study protocol has been approved by the Gaziantep University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Decision No: 2022/373). All participants have provided written informed consent before their participation, ensuring their understanding of the study procedures and any potential risks.
Statistical Analysis Data will be analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA to compare total volume and repetition counts between the PAPE and Control conditions. Effect sizes will be calculated using Cohen's d for volume and partial eta-squared (ηp2) for repetition count.
Expected Impact This study aims to explore whether the PAPE protocol can significantly improve training outcomes by increasing the total volume and number of repetitions in a resistance training session, specifically in the half-squat exercise. If proven effective, PAPE could be incorporated into training strategies for athletes and fitness professionals aiming to maximize their performance and muscle hypertrophy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This model is suitable because your study uses a randomized crossover design, where each participant undergoes both the PAPE and Control (CON) protocols in a randomized order, with a washout period between them to ensure full recovery.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| PAPE Protocol | Experimental | Behavioral: PAPE ProtocolParticipants in this group will first perform a warm-up consisting of 3 repetitions at 90% of their 1RM. After a 10-minute rest, they will perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. |
| Control Protocol | Active comparator | Behavioral: Control ProtocolParticipants in this group will perform a warm-up consisting of 8 repetitions at 50% of their 1RM. After a 4-minute rest, they will perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Participants must be 18-30 years old.
- Only biologically male participants are eligible to participate in the study.
- Participants must have at least 1 year of continuous resistance training experience.
- Participants should be healthy, with no musculoskeletal disorders or injuries in the previous 6 months.
- Participants must have experience in performing the half-squat exercise as part of their regular training routine.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Participants who are currently using performance-enhancing drugs or have a history of chronic drug use.
- Participants with a history of neuromuscular disease, metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular diseases, or any orthopedic limitations.
- Participants who are using supplements such as caffeine or any other substances that might interfere with performance or the study protocol.
- Participants who perform high-intensity aerobic training or resistance training outside their routine, which may interfere with study procedures.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| PAPE ProtocolIn this intervention, participants perform a warm-up consisting of 3 repetitions at 90% of 1RM. After a 10-minute rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. This protocol is designed to enhance performance through the post-activation potentiation effect. | Behavioural | PAPE Protocol |
| Control ProtocolIn this intervention, participants perform a warm-up consisting of 8 repetitions at 50% of 1RM. After a 4-minute rest, they perform 3 sets of half-squats at 75% of their 1RM until volitional failure. This protocol is used as a baseline for comparison with the PAPE protocol. | Behavioural | Control Protocol |
Primary outcome
Total Training Volume (kg)
Time frame: Immediately after exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise
The total volume lifted during the half-squat exercise. It is calculated as set × repetitions × load for each set across all sets.
1 secondary outcome
Number of Repetitions Performed to Volitional Failure
Time frame: Immediately after exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Jan 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41668151Pancar Z, Ilhan MT, Karaday E, Karaca B, Pardos EM, Praca GM, Carneiro L, Nobari H. Acute effects of post-activation performance enhancement on half-squat training volume and repetition performance in strength-train men: a randomised crossover study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 Feb 10;18(1):128. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01598-9.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. The following Individual Participant Data (IPD) will be shared after the completion of the study: Demographic Information: Age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for each participant. Training Data: Duration of resistance training experience and frequency of training per week. 1RM Measurements: One-repetition maximum (1RM) values for the half-squat exercise for each participant. Outcome Measures: Total training volume (set × repetitions × load) during each protocol. Number of repetitions performed to volitional failure during each protocol. Fatigue Data: Self-reported fatigue levels after each set during the study. Protocol Data: Information on the exact sequence of protocols (PAPE vs. Control) that each participant underwent, including rest periods and exercise load. These data will be shared in anonymized form to ensure participant privacy and confidentiality. The data will be made available for future analysis or collaborations that support the study's aims, and will b
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Zarife Pancar Assistant Professor, PhD principal investigator
University of Gaziantep
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing PAPE Protocol in people with Resistance Exercise, run by University of Gaziantep at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Total Training Volume (kg) (time frame: Immediately after exercise and 30 minutes post-exercise). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06825065, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Jan 2026.