Factors Modulating the Priming Response to Resistance and Stretch-Shortening Cycle Exercise Stimuli

"Priming exercises" are gaining popularity as a precompetition strategy to improve subsequent performance. Although priming exercise has been shown to improve various neuromuscular performance measures within 48 hours, a number of studies have also found no change or significant decreases in performance following priming interventions. Inconsistencies in findings are likely due to the many different variables used in the research. In addition, evidence suggests that the potential performance response following a priming stimulus is likely to be influenced by individual characteristics. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to examine the available evidence and identify those variables that most strongly determine whether priming stimuli involving resistance and stretch-shortening cycle exercise tasks are likely to improve performance within 48 hours of that stimulus. In addition to making recommendations based on the evidence to date, directions for future research are also identified.