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Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Repeated Sprint Ability in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

DOI:10.1007/s40279-021-01479-w
Authors:
Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo at Universidad Andrés Bello
Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
Paulo Gentil at Universidade Federal de Goiás
Paulo Gentil
Yassine Negra at Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Education Physique de Ksar-Said.Research Unit (UR17JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunisia
Yassine Negra
  • Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Education Physique de Ksar-Said.Research Unit (UR17JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunisia
Jozo Grgic at Victoria University Melbourne
Jozo Grgic
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Abstract and Figures

Background: There is a growing body of research examining the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on repeated sprint ability (RSA) in athletes. However, available studies produced conflicting findings and the literature has not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, the effects of PJT on RSA indices remain unclear. Objective: To explore the effects of PJT on RSA in athletes. Methods: Searches for this review were conducted in four databases. We included studies that satisfied the following criteria: (i) examined the effects of a PJT exercise intervention on measures of RSA; (ii) included athletes as study participants, with no restriction for sport practiced, age or sex; and (iii) included a control group. The random-effects model was used for the meta-analyses. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro checklist. Results: From 6,367 search records initially identified, 13 studies with a total of 16 training groups (n = 198) and 13 control groups (n = 158) were eligible for meta-analysis. There was a significant effect of PJT on RSA best sprint (ES = 0.75; p = 0.002) and RSA mean sprint (ES = 0.36; p = 0.045) performance. We did not find a significant difference between control and PJT for RSA fatigue resistance (ES = 0.16; p = 0.401). The included studies were classified as being of “moderate” or “high” methodological quality. Among the 13 included studies, none reported injury or any other adverse events. Conclusion: PJT improves RSA best and mean performance in athletes, while there were no significant differences between control and PJT for RSA fatigue resistance. Improvements in RSA in response to PJT are likely due to neuro-mechanical factors (e.g., strength, muscle activation and coordination) that affect actual sprint performance rather than the ability to recover between sprinting efforts.
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Vol.:(0123456789)
Sports Medicine (2021) 51:2165–2179
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01479-w
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Effects ofPlyometric Jump Training onRepeated Sprint Ability
inAthletes: ASystematic Review andMeta‑Analysis
RodrigoRamirez‑Campillo1 · PauloGentil2 · YassineNegra3· JozoGrgic4· OlivierGirard5
Accepted: 15 April 2021 / Published online: 28 April 2021
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
Abstract
Background There is a growing body of research examining the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on repeated
sprint ability (RSA) in athletes. However, available studies produced conflicting findings and the literature has not yet been
systematically reviewed. Therefore, the effects of PJT on RSA indices remain unclear.
Objective To explore the effects of PJT on RSA in athletes.
Methods Searches for this review were conducted in four databases. We included studies that satisfied the following criteria:
(1) examined the effects of a PJT exercise intervention on measures of RSA; (2) included athletes as study participants, with
no restriction for sport practiced, age or sex; and (3) included a control group. The random-effects model was used for the
meta-analyses. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro checklist.
Results From 6367 search records initially identified, 13 studies with a total of 16 training groups (n = 198) and 13 con-
trol groups (n = 158) were eligible for meta-analysis. There was a significant effect of PJT on RSA best sprint (ES = 0.75;
p = 0.002) and RSA mean sprint (ES = 0.36; p = 0.045) performance. We did not find a significant difference between control
and PJT for RSA fatigue resistance (ES = 0.16; p = 0.401). The included studies were classified as being of “moderate” or
“high” methodological quality. Among the 13 included studies, none reported injury or any other adverse events.
Conclusion PJT improves RSA best and mean performance in athletes, while there were no significant differences between
control and PJT for RSA fatigue resistance. Improvements in RSA in response to PJT are likely due to neuro-mechanical
factors (e.g., strength, muscle activation and coordination) that affect actual sprint performance rather than the ability to
recover between sprinting efforts.
* Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
r.ramirez@ulagos.cl
1 Human Performance Laboratory, Department ofPhysical
Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
2 College ofPhysical Education andDance, Federal University
ofGoiás, Goiânia, Brazil
3 Research Unit (UR17JS01), Sport Performance, Health
andSociety, Higher Institute ofSport andPhysical Education
ofKsar Saîd, University of“La Manouba”, Manouba,
Tunisia
4 Institute forHealth andSport (IHES), Victoria University,
Melbourne, Australia
5 School ofHuman Sciences (Exercise andSport Science), The
University ofWestern Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
1 Introduction
Repetition of sprints is a common activity pattern in sev-
eral team sports (e.g., soccer; rugby) [1–3]. During com-
petition, players engaged in these disciplines repeatedly
execute maximal sprints of short duration (≤ 10s) that are
interspersed with relatively short (≤ 60s), moderate-to-low
intensity recovery periods [3–6]. This fitness component
has been termed repeated sprint ability (RSA) [5].Two stud-
ies reported that professional soccer players possess better
RSA (6 × 20 + 20-m spr ints with 180° turns; rest = 20 s)
compared to amateurs [7, 8]. While comparing six groups
of soccer players, Abrantes etal. [9] indicated that profes-
sional players exhibit better RSA (i.e., 7 × 34.2-m sprints
with 45° turns; active rest = 25s) compared to their lower
skilled and younger counterparts. Further, RSA allows to
differentiate soccer players according to their playing posi-
tion (e.g., defenders vs. forwards) [7], is reliable [7, 10], and
improves with different training interventions (e.g., RSA-
based training; aerobic high-intensity interval training) [7].
In soccer, RSA is also sensitive to match-induced fatigue
[11] and detraining effects [12]. Although technical and tac-
tical considerations largely affect overall team performance
[13, 14], improvements in RSA may positively influence
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
... The analysis including resting heart rate, body mass index, fat mass, cardiopulmonary endurance, and so on [12]. They analyzed the impact mechanism between enhanced jumping training (PJT) and athlete's repetitive sprint ability (RSA) [13]. Layne T scholars believed that using sports technology feedback education for jumping performance testing can effectively stimulate the potential of athletes [14]. ...
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... Overall, several researchers concluded that moderate strength training volume and training not to repetition failure may be more favorable for achieving greater strength gains, muscle power, and rowing performance than with higher training volumes to repetition failure [48,121,122]. Previous non-rowing-related met a-analyses have revealed, besides improved vertical jump [123] and repeated sprint [124] abilities, endurance running performance improvements [125]. These improvements have been mainly attributed to plyometric exercises. ...
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... In order to achieve better sports results, the sports load that athletes bear is increasing, and the sports injuries caused are also increasing. 4 Unscientific training methods and high-intensity sports load, although there is a great probability of achieving good results in the short term, in the long run, it is not conducive to extending the athletes' sports career, and it is difficult for athletes to maintain their own high level for a long time. Research shows that once sports injuries occur, the systematic training of athletes will be broken, not only the physical health will be affected, but also the training effect will be reduced. ...
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Introduction The sprint is extremely explosive, and inadequate training methods can cause irreversible muscle damage. Objective Explore the types of sports injuries, the main sites, the main factors affecting the results of physical training, and the main factors affecting recovery from muscle injuries in college and university sprinters, and propose preventive measures. Methods Taking 174 college sprinters as the research object, we analyzed the conditions related to muscle injury and physical training of sprinters, using field investigation, questionnaire survey, and mathematical statistics. The types of sports injuries, the main sites, the main factors affecting the results of physical training, and the main factors affecting college sprinters’ recovery from muscle injury were investigated. Results Among the 174 athletes surveyed, 47.7% had sports injuries of different degrees, and 52.3% had no sports injuries. Different physical training methods, training time, training levels, and slack fatigue training can affect physical training results. Conclusion College sprinters should improve their safety awareness, give importance to preparatory activities and flexibility exercises, optimize strength training programs, and use physical and exercise therapy to promote recovery from muscle injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes. Sports Injuries; Physical Fitness; Fatigue; Physical Education and Training
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... However, PJT appears to be one of the most effective exercise types, requiring fast and powerful movements that utilise the SSC. Indeed, PJT has previously resulted in favourable effects on linear and COD running performance [80,163] and repeated sprint ability with and without COD [35,36,164,165], in line with improvements in the physiological [25,166] determinants of linear and COD running performance and associated muscular fitness components such as maximal dynamic strength [97] and jumping capability [167]. Our meta-analyses indicate that linear and COD running performance attained up to moderate magnitude of improvement (ES = 0.38 − 0.62) after PJT in both pre-PHV and post-PHV participants, even when control participants were recreationally active or engaged in sport-specific activity. ...
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Abstract Background Among youth, plyometric-jump training (PJT) may provide a safe, accessible, and time-efficient training method. Less is known on PJT effectiveness according to the maturity status. Objective This systematic review with meta-analysis set out to analyse the body of peer-reviewed articles assessing the effects of PJT on measures of physical fitness [i.e., maximal dynamic strength; change of direction (COD) speed; linear sprint speed; horizontal and vertical jump performance; reactive strength index] and sport-specific performance (i.e., soccer ball kicking and dribbling velocity) according to the participants’ maturity status. Methods Systematic searches were conducted in three electronic databases using the following inclusion criteria: (i) Population: healthy participants aged
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... However, other variables like Take off Force, Impact Force, Maximum Concentric Power, Average Speed Concentric Phase, Peak Speed, Take Off Speed etc., can also be measured using specialised equipment like Force Platform, Accelerometer, High-Speed Camera etc. Many studies have examined the direct effect of plyometric training on CMJ jumping ability, ground reaction forces, isokinetic forces, take-off force, take-off velocity, power etc. (Borah & Sajwan, 2022;Correia et al., 2020;Ismail et al., 2014;Matavulj et al., 2001;Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021;Stojanović et al., 2017), and reported their individual results and conclusions. However, very few studies have investigated the effect of plyometric training on the performance of the CMJ test in different training surface settings. ...
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... However, other variables like Take off Force, Impact Force, Maximum Concentric Power, Average Speed Concentric Phase, Peak Speed, Take Off Speed etc., can also be measured using specialised equipment like Force Platform, Accelerometer, High-Speed Camera etc. Many studies have examined the direct effect of plyometric training on CMJ jumping ability, ground reaction forces, isokinetic forces, take-off force, take-off velocity, power etc. (Borah & Sajwan, 2022;Correia et al., 2020;Ismail et al., 2014;Matavulj et al., 2001;Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021;Stojanović et al., 2017), and reported their individual results and conclusions. However, very few studies have investigated the effect of plyometric training on the performance of the CMJ test in different training surface settings. ...
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... Both RSA and aerobic capacity are 2 crucial athletic abilities for many sport disciplines (69,77,81). Studies examining the relationships between RSA and aerobic capacity reported different results, ranging from 0.10 to 20.83 (7,35). ...
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... Several supplemental training methods are routinely used by CoSAs to optimize their athletic performance [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Among these, plyometric-jump training (PJT) can induce significant benefits [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] in muscle strength [35], power [36], and body composition [28,30]. PJT exercises involve the use of rapid eccentric and concentric muscle-tendon actions (i.e., stretch-shortening cycle), with jump exercises involving shorter (e.g., <250 ms) or longer (e.g., ≥250 ms) ground contact times and maximal jump height/distance (i.e., reactive strength index) as distinctive markers of performance during training sessions [37]. ...
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  • Jan 2023
Abstract: We aimed to assess the athletic performance changes in combat sport athletes (CoSA) after plyometric-jump training (PJT) compared to control condition through a systematic review with meta-analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, three electronic databases were searched for includable articles, according to a PICOS approach. Using a random-effects model, Hedges’ g effects sizes (ES) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, with values of <25%, 25-75%, and >75% representing low, moderate, and high levels of heterogeneity, respectively. Statistical significance was set at p ≤0.05. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Twelve eligible articles were identified for systematic review, 7 of high quality and 5 of moderate quality according to PEDro scale. The studies recruited taekwondo, silat, wrestling, judo, fencing, and karate athletes (292 total participants), including specific-active and active controls. Most participants had a mean age of <18 years and were males (n = 225). Compared to control, PJT programmes involving 4-12 weeks and 2-3 sessions per week induced small to moderate improvements (ES = 0.47 to 1.04) in athletes' maximal strength (e.g., 1RM squat), vertical jump height, change-of-direction speed, and specific performance (e.g., fencing movement velocity), although without meaningful effect on body mass, fat mass, and muscle mass (ES = 0.02 to -0.06). Most (7 of 8) outcomes attained low heterogeneity. The outcome-level GRADE analysis indicated a certainty of evidence from low to moderate. In conclusion, PJT, when compared to control condition, may improve CoSA athletic performance.
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... Sports Medicine -Open (2022) 8:108 In this regard, higher-intensity shorter-duration training approaches have been recommended over traditional low-intensity high-volume training methods [25][26][27][28]. Plyometric jump training (PJT), a high-intensity shortduration training method, may offer an adequate stimulus to improve PF and SSP [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36], including (but not limited to) muscle strength [37], muscle power [38], and body composition [30,32]. Training intensity seems to be a key feature of PJT programming [39,40], with PJT exercises usually implicating a fast stretch-shortening cycle muscle action, allowing greater concentric work performance than an isolated concentric muscle action, stimulating a high rate of force development, and force absorption muscle capacities (i.e. ...
Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Measures of Physical Fitness and Sport-Specific Performance of Water Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
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Full-text available
  • Dec 2022
Background A growing body of literature is available regarding the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) on measures of physical fitness (PF) and sport-specific performance (SSP) in-water sports athletes (WSA, i.e. those competing in sports that are practiced on [e.g. rowing] or in [e.g. swimming; water polo] water). Indeed, incoherent findings have been observed across individual studies making it difficult to provide the scientific community and coaches with consistent evidence. As such, a comprehensive systematic literature search should be conducted to clarify the existent evidence, identify the major gaps in the literature, and offer recommendations for future studies. Aim To examine the effects of PJT compared with active/specific-active controls on the PF (one-repetition maximum back squat strength, squat jump height, countermovement jump height, horizontal jump distance, body mass, fat mass, thigh girth) and SSP (in-water vertical jump, in-water agility, time trial) outcomes in WSA, through a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized controlled studies. Methods The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to January 2022. According to the PICOS approach, the eligibility criteria were: (population) healthy WSA; (intervention) PJT interventions involving unilateral and/or bilateral jumps, and a minimal duration of ≥ 3 weeks; (comparator) active (i.e. standard sports training) or specific-active (i.e. alternative training intervention) control group(s); (outcome) at least one measure of PF (e.g. jump height) and/or SSP (e.g. time trial) before and after training; and (study design) multi-groups randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to compute the meta-analyses, reporting effect sizes (ES, i.e. Hedges’ g) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Certainty or confidence in the body of evidence for each outcome was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), considering its five dimensions: risk of bias in studies, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and risk of publication bias. Results A total of 11,028 studies were identified with 26 considered eligible for inclusion. The median PEDro score across the included studies was 5.5 (moderate-to-high methodological quality). The included studies involved a total of 618 WSA of both sexes (330 participants in the intervention groups [31 groups] and 288 participants in the control groups [26 groups]), aged between 10 and 26 years, and from different sports disciplines such as swimming, triathlon, rowing, artistic swimming, and water polo. The duration of the training programmes in the intervention and control groups ranged from 4 to 36 weeks. The results of the meta-analysis indicated no effects of PJT compared to control conditions (including specific-active controls) for in-water vertical jump or agility (ES = − 0.15 to 0.03; p = 0.477 to 0.899), or for body mass, fat mass, and thigh girth (ES = 0.06 to 0.15; p = 0.452 to 0.841). In terms of measures of PF, moderate-to-large effects were noted in favour of the PJT groups compared to the control groups (including specific-active control groups) for one-repetition maximum back squat strength, horizontal jump distance, squat jump height, and countermovement jump height (ES = 0.67 to 1.47; p = 0.041 to < 0.001), in addition to a small effect noted in favour of the PJT for SSP time-trial speed (ES = 0.42; p = 0.005). Certainty of evidence across the included studies varied from very low-to-moderate. Conclusions PJT is more effective to improve measures of PF and SSP in WSA compared to control conditions involving traditional sport-specific training as well as alternative training interventions (e.g. resistance training). It is worth noting that the present findings are derived from 26 studies of moderate-to-high methodological quality, low-to-moderate impact of heterogeneity, and very low-to-moderate certainty of evidence based on GRADE. Trial registration The protocol for this systematic review with meta-analysis was published in the Open Science platform (OSF) on January 23, 2022, under the registration doi https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NWHS3 (internet archive link: https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-nwhs3-v1).
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Comment on: “Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Performance: An Umbrella Review”
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2023
Dear Editor, Due to the relevance of plyometric training for the strength and conditioning community and the exponential rise in the number of original research and systematic reviews on the topic, an umbrella review is needed, as it summarises findings from published meta-analyses which could meaningfully advance knowledge in this field of research. We have read with great interest the work by Kons et al. [1] entitled “Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Performance: An Umbrella Review”. We understand the substantial amount of work in doing such a review (e.g. registration: December 2020; acceptance: December 2022) and acknowledge its novelty. However, some methodological shortcomings may impact their results. Our aim is to provide constructive, methodologically based criticisms so that readers have the necessary information at hand to decide if the article by Kons et al. [1] is justified or should be interpreted with a degree of caution. Literature search strategy. Kons et al. [1] included 29 meta-analyses and provided a flow diagram with generic reasons for 47 excluded meta-analyses. However, and in contrast with the AMSTAR 2 recommendations [2], the authors did not incorporate a list outlining the reasons why these 47 studies were excluded. Indeed, we found 27 relevant meta-analyses [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29] not included by Kons et al. [1]. Moreover, another eight relevant meta-analyses [30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37] were found at the time of, or after, the submission of Kons et al. [1]. Further, it is unclear why Kons et al. [1] selected one [38] above all meta-analyses related to repeated-sprint (running and cycling) training. Interpretation of published meta-analyses. Kons et al. [1] concluded that: Although several meta-analyses investigated the effects of plyometric training on physical performance outcomes, most of them lack comparisons with control groups and are classified as low-to-moderate quality. Moreover, the authors indicated: Five meta-analyses compared the effects of intervention to control group, while the other 24 compared within-intervention-group effects. This seems an erroneous interpretation given that the control condition was part of the eligibility criteria for the umbrella review and, aside from one meta-analysis [39], all the meta-analyses reviewed by Kons et al. [1] performed between-group (and/or between sub-group) comparisons. Some meta-analyses compared different experimental conditions (e.g. vertical vs. horizontal jumps) or compared between-training methods (e.g. weightlifting vs. plyometric). Therefore, all outcomes analysed by Kons et al. [1] included between-group comparisons. Inconsistent and erroneous data. Kons et al. [1] provided some inconsistent reporting of sample and effect sizes, heterogeneity values, among other issues (more information in Additional file 1: Table S1). For example, Kons et al. [1] reported standardised mean differences in Figs. 2–6 and classified these as trivial, small, moderate, and large. However, it is unclear how standardised mean differences were computed from meta-analyses that reported different types of effect sizes (e.g. Hedges’ g; standardised mean differences), potentially affecting Kons et al.’s [1] interpretation of their results according to the classification scheme of effect sizes. With this letter, we encourage researchers to conduct more comprehensive umbrella reviews in the future on the effects of plyometric training on physical fitness of individuals across the lifespan.
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Full-text available
  • Sep 2021
Objective In this review, we critically evaluate studies directly comparing the effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Methods We conducted electronic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science to find studies that explored the effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on muscle hypertrophy. Results Eight relevant studies were included in the review. Six studies compared the effects of plyometric vs. resistance training on muscle hypertrophy, while 2 studies explored the effects of combining plyometric and resistance training vs. isolated resistance training on acute anabolic signaling or muscle hypertrophy. Based on the results of these studies, we conclude that plyometric and resistance training may produce similar effects on whole muscle hypertrophy for the muscle groups of the lower extremities. Therefore, it seems that plyometric training has a greater potential for inducing increases in muscle size than previously thought. Despite the findings observed at the whole muscle level, the evidence for the effects of plyometric training on hypertrophy on the muscle fiber level is currently limited for drawing inferences. Compared to isolated resistance training, combining plyometric and resistance exercise does not seem to produce additive effects on anabolic signaling or muscle growth; however, this area requires future study. The limitations of the current body of evidence are that the findings are specific to (i) musculature of the lower extremities, (ii) short-term training interventions that lasted up to 12 weeks, and (iii) previously untrained or recreationally active participants. Conclusion This review highlights that plyometric and resistance training interventions may produce similar effects on whole muscle hypertrophy, at least for the muscle groups of the lower extremities, in untrained and recreationally trained individuals, and over short-term (i.e., ≤12 weeks) intervention periods.
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Jump-Rope Training: Improved 3-km Time-Trial Performance in Endurance Runners via Enhanced Lower-Limb Reactivity and Foot-Arch Stiffness
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2019
Context: Plyometric training promotes a highly effective neuromuscular stimulus to improve running performance. Jumping rope (JR) involves mainly foot muscles and joints, due to the quick rebounds, and it might be considered a type of plyometric training for improving power and stiffness, some of the key factors for endurance-running performance. Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of JR during the warm-up routine of amateur endurance runners on jumping performance, reactivity, arch stiffness, and 3-km time-trial performance. Methods: Athletes were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 51) or control (n = 45) group. Those from the control group were asked to maintain their training routines, while athletes from the experimental group had to modify their warm-up routines, including JR (2-4 sessions/wk, with a total time of 10-20 min/wk) for 10 weeks. Physical tests were performed before (pretest) and after (posttest) the intervention period and included jumping performance (countermovement-jump, squat-jump, and drop-jump tests), foot-arch stiffness, and 3-km time-trial performance. Reactive strength index (RSI) was calculated from a 30-cm drop jump. Results: The 2 × 2 analysis of variance showed significant pre-post differences in all dependent variables (P < .001) for the experimental group. No significant changes were reported in the control group (all P ≥ .05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between Δ3-km time trial and ΔRSI (r = -.481; P < .001) and ΔStiffness (r = -.336; P < .01). The linear-regression analysis showed that Δ3-km time trial was associated with ΔRSI and ΔStiffness (R2 = .394; P < .001). Conclusions: Compared with a control warm-up routine prior to endurance-running training, 10 weeks (2-4 times/wk) of JR training, in place of 5 minutes of regular warm-up activities, was effective in improving 3-km time-trial performance, jumping ability, RSI, and arch stiffness in amateur endurance runners. Improvements in RSI and arch stiffness were associated with improvements in 3-km time-trial performance.
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Methodological Characteristics and Future Directions for Plyometric Jump Training Research: A Scoping Review Update
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this scoping review was i) to update a previous review on the main methodological characteristics and shortcomings in the plyometric jump training (PJT) literature, and ii) to recommend, in light of the identified methodological gaps, future research perspectives. We searched four electronic databases. From 6,128 potentially relevant articles, 420 were considered eligible for inclusion. As an update of a previous review, this represents an increase of ~200 articles, illustrating that this field of research is growing fast. However, the relative “quality” or shortcomings were similar when compared to the preceding scoping review. In the current article, the main identified shortcomings were an insufficient number of studies conducted with females, individual sports, and high-level athletes (~22%, ~7%, and ~14% of overall studies, respectively); insufficient description of training prescription (~54% of studies); and studies missing an active/passive control group and a randomised group allocation process (~37% and ~24% of overall studies, respectively). Furthermore, PJT was often combined with other training methods and added to the participants’ regular training routines (~50% and ~35% of overall studies, respectively). The main outcomes of this scoping review urge researchers to conduct PJT studies of high methodological quality (e.g., randomised controlled trials) to get trustworthy evidence-based knowledge. In addition, owing to the limited research conducted with females, individual sports, and high-level athletes, more studies are needed to substantiate the available findings. Finally, the identification of cohort-specific PJT dose-response relations which elicit optimal training effects still need to be identified, particularly in the long term. Key words: power; exercise therapy; resistance training; exercise; stretch-shortening cycle; muscle strength.
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Effect of Different Physical Training Forms on Change of Direction Ability: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2019
Background: The ability to perform a rapid change of direction (COD) is a critical skill in numerous court- and field-based sports. The aim of this review is to investigate the effect of different physical training forms on COD performance. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using the following databases: PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Studies were eligible if they met the following criteria: (1) a COD test measuring performance before and after the training intervention, with specific description of the test in terms of length and number of changes in a direction with specified angles, (2) involve training intervention like plyometric, strength, sprint, specific COD training, or a combination of these training forms targeting the lower extremities, (3) the study had to state training background in terms of which sport they participated in and their competitive level and a detailed methodological description. Non-English articles were excluded. Percentage difference and effect sizes were calculated in order to compare the effects of different training interventions. Results: A range of studies performing plyometrics, strength, sprint, specific COD training, training with post-activation potentiation or a combination of these training forms were examined. The percentage of change and effect size (ES) were calculated. Seventy-four studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 132 experimental groups and 1652 unique subjects. The review revealed no clear consensus on which training form is optimal to develop COD performance. All training forms resulted in an increase in performance from almost no ES to large ES. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that COD ability is a specific skill, whereas the COD task, the sports require determines which training form is the most effective to develop COD ability. Training targeting improvement in COD performance should address the duration of the training in line with which energy system is utilized. The complexity of the COD task with respect to the individual athlete must be considered. Consequently, the number of changes in direction and the angles of the task are relevant when organizing training.
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Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions
Book
Full-text available
  • Oct 2019
The revised edition of the Handbook offers the only guide on how to conduct, report and maintain a Cochrane Review. The second edition of The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions contains essential guidance for preparing and maintaining Cochrane Reviews of the effects of health interventions. Designed to be an accessible resource, the Handbook will also be of interest to anyone undertaking systematic reviews of interventions outside Cochrane, and many of the principles and methods presented are appropriate for systematic reviews addressing research questions other than effects of interventions. This fully updated edition contains extensive new material on systematic review methods addressing a wide-range of topics including network meta-analysis, equity, complex interventions, narrative synthesis, and automation. Also new to this edition, integrated throughout the Handbook, is the set of standards Cochrane expects its reviews to meet. Written for review authors, editors, trainers and others with an interest in Cochrane Reviews, the second edition of The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions continues to offer an invaluable resource for understanding the role of systematic reviews, critically appraising health research studies and conducting reviews.
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Similar Cardioventilatory but Greater Neuromuscular Stimuli With Interval Drop Jump Than With Interval Running
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2019
Context: Drop jumps and high-intensity interval running are relevant training methods to improve explosiveness and endurance performance, respectively. Combined training effects might, however, be achieved by performing interval drop jumping. Purpose: To determine the acute effects of interval drop jumping on oxygen uptake (V̇O2)-index of cardioventilatory/oxidative stimulation level, and peripheral fatigue-a limiting factor of explosiveness. Methods: Thirteen participants performed three 11-min interval-training sessions during which they ran 15 s at 120% of the velocity that elicited maximal V̇O2 (V̇O2-MAX) (ITRUN) or drop-jumped at 7 (ITDJ7) or 9 (ITDJ9) jumps per 15 s, interspersed with 15 s of passive recovery. V̇O2 and the time spent above 90% of V̇O2-MAX (TV̇O2-MAX) were collected. Peripheral fatigue was quantified via preexercise to postexercise changes in evoked potentiated quadriceps twitch (ΔQT). Power output was estimated during ITDJs using optical sensors. Results: All participants reached 90% of V̇O2-MAX or higher during ITRUN and ITDJ9, but only 11 did during ITDJ7. TV̇O2-MAX was not different between ITRUN and ITDJ9 (145±76 vs 141 ± 151 s; P = .92) but was reduced during ITDJ7 (28 ± 26 s; P = .002). Mean ΔQT in ITDJ9 and ITDJ7 were not different (-17% ± 9% vs -14% ± 8%; P = .73) and greater than in ITRUN (-8% ± 7%; P = .001). No alteration in power output was found during ITDJs (37±10 W.kg-1). Conclusion: Interval drop jumping at a high work rate stimulated the cardioventilatory and oxidative systems to the same extent as interval running, while the exercise-induced increase in fatigue did not compromise drop-jump performance. Interval drop jumping might be a relevant strategy to get concomitant improvements in endurance and explosive performance.
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Is Muscular Fitness Associated with Future Health Benefits in Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Article
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Background: No previous systematic review has quantitatively examined the association between muscular fitness during childhood and adolescence and health parameters later in life. Objective: The aim was to systematically review and meta-analyze the current evidence for a prospective association between muscular fitness in childhood and adolescence and future health status. Methods: Two authors systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and SPORTDiscus electronic databases and conducted manual searching of reference lists of selected articles. Relevant articles were identified by the following criteria: apparently healthy children and adolescents aged 3-18 years with muscular fitness assessed at baseline (e.g., handgrip, standing long jump, sit-ups, among others), and a follow-up period of ≥ 1 year. The outcome measures were anthropometric and adiposity measurements and cardiometabolic, bone and musculoskeletal health parameters. Two authors independently extracted data. Results: Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis, yielding a total of 21,686 participants. The meta-analysis found a significant, moderate-large (p < 0.05) effect size between muscular fitness at baseline and body mass index (r = - 0.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.21 to - 0.07), skinfold thickness (r = - 0.32; 95% CI - 0.40 to - 0.23), homeostasis model assessment estimated insulin resistance (r = - 0.10; 95% CI - 0.16 to - 0.05), triglycerides (r = - 0.22; 95% CI - 0.30 to - 0.13), cardiovascular disease risk score (r = - 0.29; 95% CI - 0.39 to - 0.18), and bone mineral density (r = 0.166; 95% CI 0.086 to 0.243) at follow-up. Conclusion: A prospective negative association was observed between muscular fitness in childhood/adolescence and adiposity and cardiometabolic parameters in later life, together with a positive association for bone health. There is inconclusive evidence for low back pain benefits.
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Effects of plyometric jump training in female soccer player’s vertical jump height: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Article
  • Jul 2020
To assess the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) in female soccer player’s vertical jump height, a review was conducted using the data sources PubMed, MEDLINE, Web Of Science, and SCOPUS. Only peer-review articles were included. To qualify for inclusion in the meta-analysis, studies must have included i) a PJT programme of at least 2 weeks, ii) cohorts of healthy female soccer players with no restriction for age, iii) a control group, iv) a measure of countermovement jump (CMJ). The inverse variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. From 7,136 records initially identified through database searching, 8 were eligible for meta-analysis, comprising 9 training groups (n=99) and 9 control groups (n=94). The magnitude of the main effect was moderate (ES = 1.01 [95%CI = 0.36-1.66], Z = 3.04, p = 0.002). Sub-group analyses were performed (i.e., PJT frequency, duration, and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.34 - 0.96). Among the studies included in this review, none reported injury or other adverse effects. In conclusion, PJT is effective in female soccer players for the improvement of vertical jump height. In future, research must identify specific dose-response relationships following PJT, particularly in the long term.
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The Effects of Lower-Extremity Plyometric Training on Soccer-Specific Outcomes in Adult Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Article
  • Dec 2019
Background: Plyometric training is a specific form of strength training that is used to improve the physical performance of athletes. An overview of the effects of plyometric training on soccer-specific outcomes in adult male soccer players is not available yet. Purpose: To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of plyometric training on soccer-specific outcome measures in adult male soccer players and to identify which programs are most effective. Methods: PubMed, Embase/Medline, Cochrane, PEDro, and Scopus were searched. Extensive quality and risk of bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane ROBINS 2.0 for randomized trials. A random effects meta-analysis was performed using Cochrane Review Manager 5.3. Results: Seventeen randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. The impact of plyometric training on strength, jump height, sprint speed, agility, and endurance was assessed. Only jump height, 20-m sprint speed, and endurance were significantly improved by plyometric training in soccer players. Results of the risk of bias assessment of the included studies resulted in overall scores of some concerns for risk of bias and high risk of bias. Conclusion: This review and meta-analysis showed that plyometric training improved jump height, 20-m sprint speed, and endurance, but not strength, sprint speed over other distances, or agility in male adult soccer players. However, the low quality of the included studies and substantial heterogeneity means that results need to be interpreted with caution. Future high-quality research should indicate whether or not plyometric training can be used to improve soccer-specific outcomes and thereby enhance performance.
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