Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) and taurine combination improves anaerobic performance in highly trained wrestlers: a double-blind, randomized, crossover study


Bi̇lgi̇n S., Buzdağli Y., OZAN M., YILMAZ U., ÇİYDEM Ç., Eyi̇pinar C. D., ...Daha Fazla

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, cilt.23, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 23 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2673071
  • Dergi Adı: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, Muscle activation, PAPE, taurine, wrestling
  • Hakkari Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

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.