Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) and taurine combination improves anaerobic performance in highly trained wrestlers: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Twenty elite male wrestlers (highly trained) |
| I — Intervention | Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocol combined with taurine supplementation (3 sets of 8 repetitions squat and hip thrust at 85% 1RM, plus taurine 60 minutes prior) |
| C — Comparator | Control (no intervention), PAPE with placebo |
| O — Outcomes | Anaerobic performance (Wingate test peak power), countermovement jump performance, blood lactate levels, neuromuscular fatigue |
Bottom Line
This crossover RCT in 20 elite male wrestlers found that combining post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocols with taurine supplementation significantly improved anaerobic power output by 16-22% compared to control and placebo conditions. The intervention involved heavy resistance exercise (85% 1RM squats and hip thrusts) followed by taurine supplementation 60 minutes prior to testing. While the study design was appropriate with double-blinding for supplementation, the small sample size and highly specific population limit broader applicability. The magnitude of performance improvement is clinically meaningful for elite athletes, though long-term safety and cost-effectiveness remain unclear. For Australian sports medicine practitioners, this represents promising evidence for performance enhancement in anaerobic sports, though implementation should consider individual athlete needs and regulatory compliance. The combination approach may offer advantages over either intervention alone, but requires further validation in larger, more diverse populations before routine clinical recommendation.
Key Findings
P Value: p = 0.048 for peak power, p = 0.028 for relative power
Effect Size: 16.76% increase in peak power, 22.24% increase in power relative to body mass
Primary Outcome: Peak power output in Wingate anaerobic test
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - performance enhancement study
Confidence Interval: Not reported
Clinical Application
Requires access to resistance training equipment and taurine supplementation; protocol is time-intensive Taurine is available as dietary supplement in Australia; PAPE protocols could be implemented in high-performance sport programs through Australian Institute of Sport or state academies Elite male wrestlers and potentially other anaerobic sport athletes
Abstract
BACKGROUND: PAPE is a physiological phenomenon that temporarily enhances muscular strength and responsiveness following high-intensity muscle activity. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of a PAPE protocol combined with taurine supplementation on anaerobic performance, blood lactate levels, and neuromuscular fatigue in highly trained male wrestlers. METHODS: Twenty elite male wrestlers participated in a double-blind, crossover design comprising three separate sessions: (i) control with no supplementation or PAPE protocol (CON), (ii) PAPE protocol with placebo (PAPE*PLA), and (iii) PAPE protocol with taurine supplementation (PAPE*TAU). In the PAPE*PLA and PAPE*TAU conditions, participants completed 3 sets of 8 repetitions of squat and hip thrust exercises at 85% of their one-repetition maximum. Either a taurine supplement or a sucrose placebo was administered 60 minutes before the protocol. Five minutes after the PAPE protocol, the Wingate anaerobic power (WanT) test was conducted, while CMJ tests were performed before (CMJ-pre), immediately after (CMJ-post), and five minutes following (CMJ-post-5) the WanT. RESULTS: The PAPE*TAU condition resulted in significantly higher peak power output (16.76% increase; p = 0.048) and power relative to body mass (22.24% increase; p = 0.028) compared to PAPE*PLA and CON. Additionally, post-test blood lactate levels were significantly lower in the PAPE*TAU condition (p < 0.05), and CMJ performance was significantly better post-exercise (p < 0.05), indicating reduced neuromuscular fatigue. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the combination of the PAPE protocol with taurine supplementation enhances anaerobic performance, supports neuromuscular function, and promotes metabolic recovery following high-intensity exercise. These findings suggest a synergistic effect that may benefit athletes engaged in explosive and anaerobic sports such as wrestling.
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