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SoccerIPP vs DPPNCT07696026

Isometric vs. Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading: Acute PAPE Responses

A study testing dynamic conraction, isometric contraction and dynamic and EMS contraction in people with Soccer and Performance, run by Karabuk University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized crossover study compared the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols performed with and without electromyostimulation (EMS). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 25 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Soccer, Performance, Contraction
What is being tested?
dynamic conraction, isometric contraction and dynamic and EMS contraction
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
22 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Aug 2026to 5 Sep 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 25 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Being healthy
  • Male volleyball athletes
  • Willing to maintain the intervention for all sessions

Who cannot join

  • Being under 18 years old
  • Having a chronic disease
  • Contraindications for exercise

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate contact

+905468426671

neslihanozcan@karabuk.edu.tr

Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate contact

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Karabuk University

    Karabük, Turkey, 78200

    Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate, +905468426671, neslihanozcan@karabuk.edu.tr

    Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Acute Post-Activation Performance Responses to Isometric and Dynamic Squat Pre-Loading Protocols: A Randomized Crossover Trial

This randomized crossover study compared the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols performed with and without electromyostimulation (EMS). Participants completed five randomized experimental conditions: maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), dynamic contraction (DC), MVIC+EMS, DC+EMS, and EMS only (O-EMS). Baseline and post-intervention assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJWH), zig-zag agility, and shooting speed, with post-tests conducted after a 4-minute recovery period. Perceptual responses, including ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived discomfort (RPD), and fatigue (VAS), were recorded immediately after each protocol. All sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 16:00 under standardized conditions, with protocol order randomized and participants instructed to avoid strenuous exercise and food intake before testing.

Read the detailed description

This study aimed to compare the acute post-activation performance responses to isometric and dynamic squat-based preconditioning protocols, with and without EMS. All testing sessions were conducted between 14:00 and 16:00 to minimize the potential effects of circadian rhythms and fatigue on performance. The study was conducted using a randomized, crossover design. On the remaining five experimental days, the order of the protocols was randomized for each participant using a computer-generated randomization sequence (randomizer.org) to reduce order effects. During the first session, participants' anthropometric measurements were recorded, their one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat loads were determined, and they were familiarized with the equipment and testing procedures. Participants completed five separate experimental sessions consisting of the following conditions: [A] Isometric Contraction + EMS (MVIC-EMS), [B] Dynamic Contraction + EMS (DC-EMS), [C] Dynamic Contraction (DC), [D] Isometric Contraction (MVIC), and [E] Only EMS (O-EMS). Before each experimental protocol, baseline measurements were obtained using countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with hands (CMJWH), zig-zag agility test, and shooting speed assessments. After each protocol, all tests were repeated after a 4-minute rest period (Chen et al., 2023). Under all conditions, the electrodes were placed identically by the same experienced researcher. Subsequently, players' shooting speeds were measured using a radar gun, with two trials performed and the highest value recorded. Immediately after each experimental protocol, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived discomfort (RPD), and perceived fatigue level were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and recorded. Participants were instructed to refrain from food intake for 1.5 hours before testing, to avoid resistance training throughout the study period, and were verbally encouraged during all testing sessions.

Being tested
dynamic conraction, isometric contraction, dynamic and EMS contraction, isometric and EMS conraction, ems contraction
Keywords
isometric contraction, dynamic contraction, squat, PAPE

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • dynamic conractionOther

    Participants performed a dynamic back squat conditioning protocol on a Smith machine consisting of five sets of one repetition at 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 1 min of passive recovery between sets. Each repetition included a controlled descent to approximately 90° of knee flexion, an explosive concentric phase, a 2-s isometric hold at full knee extension, and a slow, controlled eccentric phase (Pincivero et al.). All repetitions were supervised to ensure proper technique. The protocol was selected based on previous evidence supporting high-intensity resistance exercise as an effective conditioning activity for inducing PAPE responses (Dobbs et al.).

  • isometric contractionOther

    The isometric contraction protocol was conducted as described by Koźlenia and Domaradzki (2023) and Lim and Kong (2013). Participants assumed a squat position in a squat rack with the barbell fixed in place and the knee joint positioned at approximately 90° of flexion (Profitness 1030, Türkiye). The barbell was secured to the rack using safety pins, and participants were instructed to exert maximal force against the immovable bar to produce a MVIC. Each contraction lasted 3 seconds, and a total of 3 repetitions were performed with 2 min of rest between repetitions (Koźlenia \& Domaradzki, 2023; Lim \& Kong, 2013).

  • dynamic and EMS contractionOther

    Participants performed a dynamic back squat conditioning protocol on a Smith machine consisting of five sets of one repetition at 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), with 1 min of passive recovery between sets. In the DC-EMS condition, electromyostimulation (EMS) was applied simultaneously throughout the conditioning protocol. Each repetition included a controlled descent to approximately 90° of knee flexion, an explosive concentric phase, a 2-s isometric hold at full knee extension, and a slow, controlled eccentric phase (Pincivero et al.). All repetitions were supervised to ensure proper technique. The protocol was selected based on previous evidence supporting high-intensity resistance exercise as an effective conditioning activity for inducing PAPE responses (Dobbs et al.).

  • isometric and EMS conractionOther

    The isometric contraction protocol was conducted as described by Koźlenia and Domaradzki (2023) and Lim and Kong (2013). Participants assumed a squat position in a squat rack with the barbell fixed in place and the knee joint positioned at approximately 90° of flexion (Profitness 1030, Türkiye). The barbell was secured to the rack using safety pins, and participants were instructed to exert maximal force against the immovable bar to produce an MVIC. Each contraction lasted 3 seconds, and a total of three repetitions were performed with 2 min of rest between repetitions (Koźlenia \& Domaradzki, 2023; Lim \& Kong, 2013). In the MVIC-EMS condition, electromyostimulation (EMS) was applied simultaneously during each maximal voluntary isometric contraction.

  • ems contractionOther

    EMS was delivered bilaterally to the quadriceps using a portable stimulator (Compex Rehab 400, Compex Medical SA, Switzerland) with a biphasic symmetrical rectangular waveform (75 Hz, 450 μs). Four self-adhesive electrodes were placed over the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles of both legs. Participants remained seated for 10 min with the knees flexed at approximately 90° and the hips flexed at approximately 110°, while receiving EMS without performing any voluntary contractions. Stimulation intensity was gradually increased to the highest level tolerated by each participant and maintained throughout the intervention (Paillard et al., 2008; Sofuoğlu et al., 2025).

Study groups in NCT07696026
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Condition 1ExperimentalDynamic contraction
Receives: Other: dynamic conraction
Condition 2Experimentalisometric contraction
Receives: Other: isometric contraction
Condition 3ExperimentalDynamic + EMS contraction
Receives: Other: dynamic and EMS contraction
Condition 4ExperimentalIsometric + EMS Contraction
Receives: Other: isometric and EMS conraction
Condition 5ExperimentalEMS contraction
Receives: Other: ems contraction

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height

    Change in countermovement jump (CMJ) height (cm) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol, measured using a jump assessment system.

    Measured: aseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition

  2. Countermovement Jump with Arm Swing (CMJWH) Height

    Change in countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJWH) height (cm) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition

  3. Zig-Zag Agility Performance

    Change in zig-zag agility performance time (s) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition

  4. Shooting Speed

    Change in maximal shooting speed (km/h) from baseline to 4 minutes after each conditioning protocol, measured using a radar gun.

    Measured: Baseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

    Rating of perceived exertion assessed immediately after each conditioning protocol using the Borg CR-10 scale.

    Measured: Immediately after each experimental condition

  2. Rating of Perceived Discomfort (RPD)

    Rating of perceived discomfort assessed immediately after each conditioning protocol using the Borg CR-10 scale.

    Measured: Immediately after each experimental condition

  3. Perceived Fatigue

    Perceived fatigue assessed immediately after each conditioning protocol using a visual analog scale (VAS).

    Measured: Immediately after each experimental condition

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Jul 2026
  2. Study start1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion5 Sep 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
22 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07696026
Sponsor's protocol ID
UKarabuk-6
Acronym
IPP vs DPP
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
6 Jul 2026
Last updated
10 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Sofuoglu C, Fujita RA, Keskin K, Kamis O, Akcay N. Acute electrical muscle stimulation effects on strength and anaerobic power in soccer players. Int J Sports Med. 2025 Jun;46(7):501-509. doi: 10.1055/a-2563-9289. Epub 2025 Mar 20.

    PubMed 40112871
  • Keskin K, Akcay N, Ozmen T, Contarli N, Yildiz KC, Sofuoglu C, Kamis O, Rolnick N, de Queiros VS, Montoye A. Effects of different pre-exercise strategies on jumping performance in female volleyball players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2025 Jan;65(1):59-68. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.24.16196-8. Epub 2024 Oct 3.

    PubMed 39360986

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing dynamic conraction, isometric contraction and dynamic and EMS contraction in people with Soccer and Performance, run by Karabuk University 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 3 inclusion and 3 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Jul 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Neslihan Akçay, Doctorate (+905468426671, neslihanozcan@karabuk.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height (time frame: aseline and 4 minutes after each experimental condition). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07696026, which also lists 2 linked publications.

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 10 Jul 2026.

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