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Background: It is already established that plyometric training is a powerful training means for speed and power development; however, very few studies have attempted to know the impact of Plyometric Training on aerobic capacity so far. Sufficient studies were not found by the researchers on plyometric training in land and aquatic medium with & without weight vests for the development of aerobic capacity. Consequently, it was planned to investigate the impact of plyometric training in land and aquatic medium on aerobic capacity from a comparative standpoint. Purpose: Therefore, the present experimentation was aimed to compare the effectiveness of plyometric training programs for 14 weeks on the aerobic capacity of the athletes conducted in three different conditions in land and aquatic medium. Approach: Forty-eight (N = 48) middle-distance track athletes were finally selected based on simple randomization. The selected participants were divided into four equal groups of strength (n=12) each: i) Land Plyometric Training Group (LPTG) ii) Aquatic Plyometric Training Group (APTG) iii) Weighted Vest Aquatic Plyometric Training Group (APTGWV) and iv) Control Group (CG). The same plyometric training was performed for fourteen weeks on the respective training groups in different conditions on dry land surfaces (without a weighted vest) and aquatic medium (without a weight vest & with a weighted vest). Aerobic capacity in terms of maximum oxygen consumption i.e. VO2max (ml.kg-1.min-1) was measured through Queen's-College-Step-Test (QCST). To draw a statistical inference on aerobic capacity among the groups in baseline & post-intervention conditions, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used. Tukey's post-hoc LSD test was employed to identify the location of difference among the groups. Statistical inferences were drawn at p<.05 level. Results: Different plyometric training groups improved significantly in comparison to the control group in aerobic capacity. Therefore, plyometric training was found as an effective means of developing aerobic capacity. A significant difference was also observed between the land plyometric training group and the weighted vest aquatic plyometric training group in aerobic capacity. However, the rest of the experimental groups didn't differ significantly. Conclusions: Plyometric training is not only beneficial for speed and power development but also proved as an effective means for developing aerobic capacity. It is further established that weighted vest aquatic plyometric training is the best one among the training groups for improving the aerobic capacity of the athletes. Normal aquatic plyometric training is equally effective as land Plyometric training for improving aerobic capacity.

Background: Explosive strength is essential for rhythmic gymnasts’ performance. It has been suggested that core stability (CS) and plyometric training can enhance athletes’ explosive strength. Nevertheless, there is some uncertainty about the effects of integrated core and plyometric training (CPT) programs on rhythmic gymnastics (RG) performances. Purpose: to evaluate the effects of an integrated functional CPT program on young rhythmic gymnasts’ explosive strength and jump/leap performance. Method: We recruited 44 young (age = 10.5 ± 1.8 years old; peak height velocity, PHV = 12.2 ± 0.6 years old) female rhythmic gymnasts and randomly allocated them into a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). Pre and post-intervention, the explosive strength of both groups was assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ) and single-leg CMJ (SLCMJ) tests, conducted using a force platform, and expert RG judges evaluated their performance of RG-specific jumps. Before the post-test, the EG (n = 23) completed an 8 week functional CPT program based on RG technical requirements. Meanwhile, the participants in the CG (n = 21) received their regular training sessions. Linear mixed model analyses were applied to evaluate the effects of an intra-subject factor (TIME: pre-post) and an inter-subject factor (GROUP: control-experimental) on each dependent variable. When no significant interaction effect was found, Cohen’s d effect size was calculated. Results: After 8 weeks, the EG obtained significantly better results in all variables measured by the CMJ and SLCMJ (p < 0.01) tests. The judges’ scores indicated greater improvements in the EG after the CPT program in the stag and the split leap. Conclusions: An integrated functional CPT program improved explosive strength in a group of young rhythmic gymnasts and had a large impact on aspects of RG-specific performance. Coaches should consider using this CPT to improve RG performance.

This study aimed to examine the impact of different set configurations during combination of resistance and plyometric training (complex [COX]) on jumping ability, power output, strength, and hormonal adaptations in young male volleyball players after a 6-week training period. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with twenty-four trained male volleyball players under the age of 19, who were assigned to one of two groups for lower-body COX training: cluster sets (CS-COX: n = 8) or traditional sets (TS-COX: n = 8), with an additional active control group (CON: n = 8). The players underwent evaluations for countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ), spike jump (SPJ), T-test change of direction speed (T-test CODS), one repetition maximum (1RM) in the back squat and leg press, and the Wingate Anaerobic Test before and after the 6-week training intervention (12 sessions in total). Blood samples were also collected before and after training to assess resting testosterone and cortisol responses. Following the training, both the CS-COX and TS-COX groups exhibited significantly greater (p = 0.001) changes than the CON group in the variables, while similar improvements in maximal strength, mean power output, and testosterone adaptations were observed following the training (p < 0.05). Moreover, the CS-COX group demonstrated greater improvements in CMVJ (effect size [ES] = 0.36), SPJ (ES = 0.06), T-test CODS (ES = -0.60), and peak power output (ES = 0.72), along with greater reductions in resting cortisol (ES = -0.30) levels compared to the TS-COX group after the 6-week intervention (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that incorporating cluster sets during COX training sessions led to more favorable changes in bio-motor ability, peak power output, and cortisol adaptations, with greater consistency and uniformity in adaptations among the players compared to traditional set configurations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an 8-week combined balance and plyometric training on the Change of Direction (COD) performance of young badminton players. The study hypothesized that 8 weeks of combined training would improve COD performance in young badminton players. A total of 48 young male badminton players were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: balance + plyometric training (BP; n  = 24) and plyometric training alone (PL; n  = 24). All the participants completed a 2-week familiarization process before the intervention. Both groups underwent their respective training sessions three times per week. Performance was assessed using the modified Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Test, modified T-Test, Hexagon Test, and Lower Extremity Injury Risk Test. The results showed significant improvements in COD performance for both groups, with the BP group showing superior performance in the modified T-test and Hexagon Test compared with that shown by the PL group. Specifically, the BP group had significant time and interaction effects on the T-Test ( p  < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.18) and Hexagon Test ( p  < 0.001, partial η 2 = 0.15) scores. No significant time effect ( p  = 0.345) and interaction ( p  = 0.551) were observed for the SEMO test. Additionally, the BP group showed greater improvements in dynamic postural stability index (DPSI)-DF ( p  < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.69), DPSI-NF ( p  < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.27), and DPSI-NL ( p  < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.30). Significant time and interaction effects were also observed for LSI (Limb symmetry index)-3 ( p  < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.18) and LSI-6 ( p  < 0.01, partial η 2 = 0.54). The 8-week BP program compared with PL significantly enhanced the COD performance and reduced the lower limb injury risk in young badminton players. The BP regimen proved more effective than the PL in improving dynamic balance, neuromuscular control, and stability, suggesting that integrating balance training with plyometric exercises is superior for optimizing performance and preventing injuries in this athletic population.

Background: Plyometric training is an effective training method to improve explosive strength. However, the ability to perform plyometric training in the adolescent population is still controversial, with insufficient meta-analyses about plyometric training on lower limb explosive strength in adolescent athletes. Objective: To investigate the influence of plyometric training on the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes. Methods: We performed a search of six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan-fang database) from the starting year of inclusion in each database to April 4, 2022. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment tool, and data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Result: Plyometric training had significant effects on the performance of adolescent athletes in countermovement jump (MD = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.85, p < 0.01), squat jump (MD = 4.37, 95% CI: 2.85, 5.90, p < 0.01), standing long jump (MD = 6.50, 95% CI: 4.62, 8.38, p < 0.01), 10-m sprint (MD = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08, −0.00, p = 0.03), and 20-m sprint (MD = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.20, −0.04, p = 0.03); all had positive and statistically significant effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Plyometric training can significantly enhance the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes.

During weightlessness, the human neuro–muscular–skeletal system undergoes maladaptation to the microgravity environment. The European Space Agency (ESA) project NEX4EX, ‘Novel Exercise Hardware for Exploration’, developed an advanced multipurpose exerciser offering resistive (RES), plyometric (PLYO) and sensorimotor (SENSO) exercises. It is the aim of this case report to assess the functionality of the device. NEX4EX offers RES in terms of squats and heel raises, and PYLO in terms of countermovement jumps and hops. RES and PLYO were compared with standard exercises on ground as reference. SENSO were generated by creating disturbances of the body posture by means of random, rapid pulling on a shoulder harness in four directions and by an oscillating platform. For SENSO, the results showed clear postural reflexes in trunk and leg muscles to stabilise upright posture after perturbation stimuli at the shoulders. RES and PLYO were carried out accurately on NEX4EX by the participants, but with reduced loads compared to reference (up to −37% for RES; up to −24% for PLYO). This resulted in reduced muscle activation for RES, whereas the muscle activation stayed comparable for PLYO. A reduced maximum take‐off velocity during PLYO (up to −66%) was shown leading to a reduced jump height (up to −72%). Although some exercises could not be performed with the same intensity with NEX4EX, in general it enabled all intended exercises. The basic functionality of the device was shown, and thus the device showed its potential as an integrative countermeasure device for upcoming deep‐space missions. What is the central question of the study? The NEX4EX device was designed for resistive, plyometric and sensorimotor exercises: is the novel device capable of enabling all intended exercises? What is the main finding and its importance? All exercises were feasible using NEX4EX. Resistive and plyometric exercises were possible with reduced loads. The sensorimotor exercises evoked postural reflex activities of trunk and leg muscles. Thus, the device enabled all intended exercises and has great potential for being an adequate countermeasure device for deep‐space missions.

This study aimed to compare the effects of a 6-week upper body plyometric training (UBPT) on maximal strength and anaerobic power performance of male and female subjects. Forty collegiate physically active male and female subjects participated in the study and were assigned to either UBPT group (M-UBPT, n = 10, F-UBPT, n = 10) or control group (M-CON, n = 10; F-CON, n = 10). The training groups performed 6 weeks of progressive overload UBPT three times per week using six exercises and were evaluated for upper-body anaerobic power and maximal strength, 3-kg medicine ball throw (MBT), push-up endurance, and reaction time at pre- and post-intervention. After the training intervention, the M-CON and F-CON groups did not show significant ( p  > 0.05) changes in the variables, while both the M-UBPT and F-UBPT groups demonstrated significant ( p  = 0.001) medium to very large improvements in their performance as follows: maximal strength (effect size [ES] = 0.55, 0.92), MBT (ES = 1.96, 0.89) peak power output (ES = 2.31, 1.52), mean power output (ES = 2.19, 1.11), push-up endurance (ES = 1.26, 0.70), and reaction time (ES =  − 2.16, − 1.56), respectively. Nevertheless, the male group experienced more significant improvements in the MBT ( p  = 0.001), peak ( p  = 0.001) and mean power output ( p  = 0.01), as well as reaction time ( p  = 0.01) compared to the female group when utilizing UBPT. In conclusion, it is imperative to take sex into account as a crucial factor when incorporating UBPT, particularly if the objective is to enhance anaerobic power output, muscular power, and reaction time.

Prolonged exposure to weightlessness leads to loss of muscle and bone mass. Therefore, astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) currently perform mandatory daily exercises. ISS missions usually last 6 months, and future missions will become significantly longer when going, for example, to Mars. To that purpose, an exoskeleton‐based exercise device, called ATHLETIC, was developed. The functionality and relevance of this device was evaluated in this study. Ten participants performed resistance exercises (squats) and plyometric exercises (countermovement jumps, reactive hops). Results showed that all participants were technically able to perform the intended exercises on ATHLETIC, albeit with reduced loading as compared to the reference exercises. This resulted in less mechanical performance and muscle activity. Due to the unfamiliar horizontal training axis, some participants had difficulty performing the movements correctly. Follow‐up studies are required testing, whether an adequate number of practicing sessions could enable persons to approach the performances of reference measurements, and whether further improvements of the device are needed to improve the exercise performance. What is the central question of the study? A new type of training device (called ATHLETIC) was tested for functionality for complex plyometric and high‐intensive resistance exercises: are the planned exercises generally possible on the new training device and to what extent do the exercises performed on the device differ from reference exercises? What is the main finding and its importance? Squatting on the ATHLETIC device was technically possible, albeit with reduced loading as compared to reference exercises. Thus, although participants were able to jump and even hop, reactive muscle contractions were not possible as indicated, for example, by the long ground contact times.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of combined balance and plyometric training on dynamic balance and quickness performance of elite badminton athletes. Sixteen elite male badminton players volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to a balance-plyometric group (PB: n = 8) and plyometric group (PT: n = 8). The PB group performed balance combined with plyometric training three times a week over 6 weeks (40 min of plyometrics and 20 min of balance training); while the PT group undertook only plyometric training for the same period (3–4 sets × 8–12 reps for each exercise). Both groups were given the same technical training (badminton techniques for 6 days a week). The dynamic stability and quick movement ability were assessed at baseline and after the intervention by measuring the performance of dynamic posture stability test (DPSI and COP), T-running test and hexagon jump test. The results showed that compared to PT, PB induced significantly greater improvements in F-DPSI, L-DPSI (p = 0.003, 0.025, respectively), F-COPAP, F-COPML, F-COPPL, L-COPPL (p = 0.024, 0.002, 0.029, 0.043, respectively), T-running test and hexagon jump test (p < 0.001). The change in L-DPSI, L-COPAP, L-COPML did not differ between PB and PT (p > 0.907). The findings suggest that combined training holds great promise of improving the dynamic balance and quickness performance in elite badminton athletes.

Objective: We aimed to meta-analyze the effects of combined upper and lower limb plyometric training (ULLPT) on physical fitness attributes in athletes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and SCOPUS, for up to 13 August 2022. Controlled studies with baseline and follow-up measures were included if they examined the effects of ULLPT on at least one measure of physical fitness indices in athletes. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: Fifteen moderate-to-high-quality studies with 523 participants aged 12–22.4 years were included in the analyses. Small to large (ES = 0.42–1.66; p = 0.004 to <0.001) effects were noted for upper and lower body muscle power, linear sprint speed, upper and lower body muscle strength, agility, and flexibility, while no significant effects on static and dynamic balance were noted (ES = 0.44–0.10; all p > 0.05). Athletes’ sex, age, and training program variables had no modulator role on the effects of ULLPT in available data sets. Conclusions: ULLPT induces distinct neuro-muscular adaptations in the upper and lower body musculature and is an efficient method for enhancing athletes’ physical fitness.