Effects of plyometric training programs in SSC

Abstract

Plyometric training is a commonly used method to maximize strength production and performance, based on the use of the stretching-shortening cycle. This type of training is seen as the bridge between strength and power. This study aimed to observe the effects of three different plyometric training programs with a duration of 11 weeks, 3 of evaluation and 8 of training on jump height, speed of takeoff and flight time. Twenty-four students of the Sports Faculty of the University of Porto were involved in the study divided into 4 groups: Assisted Group, Plyometric Group (PG), traditional group and control group. The results show that the three training programs have achieved significant improvements in the jump height and flight time variables. At the speed of takeoff, only the PG has achieved significant differences. Assisted and traditional groups improve the jump height and flight time; plyometric training group improves all variables studied.

INTRODUCTION

Plyometric training is a commonly used method to maximize strength production and performance, based on the use of the stretching-shortening cycle (SSC) (Bosco & komi, 1979; Cavagna et al., 1968; Häkkinen et al., 1984). This type of training is seen as the bridge between strength and power.

METHODS

This study aimed to observe the effects of three different plyometric training programs with a duration of 11 weeks, 3 of evaluation and 8 of training on jump height, speed of takeoff and flight time. Twenty-four students of the Sports Faculty of the University of Porto were involved in the study divided into 4 groups: Assisted Group (AG), Plyometric Group (PG), traditional group (TG) and control group (CG). Kruskal Wallis and Friedman test were used to observe significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups and the different repeated measures respectively. When the differences were detected the Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine between which groups there were significant differences, as Wilcoxon test was used for the repeated measures.

RESULTS

The results show that the three training programs have achieved significant improvements in the jump height and flight time variables. At the speed of takeoff, only the PG has achieved significant differences. The subjects expressing higher significant differences in the jump height and flight time were those of the GP and GT, p <0.001 for both groups, when comparing the initial and final moments of evaluation, p <0.05 for the GA. In the post test all groups improved significantly when compared with GC (jump height: GA and GP p <0.05; GP and GC p <0.01; GT and GC p <0.01. Flight time: GA and GC p <0.05; GP and GC p <0.01; GT and GC p <0.01. Vel Takeoff: GT and GC p <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Assisted and traditional groups improve the jump height and flight time; plyometric training group improves all variables studied. It was concluded that traditional training method enhance jump heights and flight times higher than assisted training.

References

References

Bosco, C., & komi, P. V. (1979). Potentiation of the mechanical behavior of the human skeletal muscle through prestretching. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 106(4), 467-472.

Cavagna, G. A., Dusman, B., & Margaría, R. (1968). Positive work done by a previously stretched muscle. Journal of applied physiology, 24(1), 21-32.

Häkkinen, K., Alen, M., & Komi, P. (1984). Neuromuscular, anaerobic, and aerobic performance characteristics of elite power athletes. European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 53(2), 97-105.