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

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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
Yassine Negra
Jozo Grgic at National University of Singapore
Jozo Grgic
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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.
... To ascertain the reasons behind the superior improvements achieved by the PT + ST, we investigated the effect of each training component combination on RSA. First, a previous meta-analysis on PT insoccer players showed significant improvements in both RSA best and RSA mean(Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021). These improvements were attributed to increased muscle activation capacity (Markovic and Mikulic, 2010;), greater muscle crosssectional area and strength(Malisoux et al., 2006;Grgic et al., 2021), and enhanced efficiency of the SSC(Taube et al., 2012; Radnor et al., 2018). ...
... First, a previous meta-analysis on PT insoccer players showed significant improvements in both RSA best and RSA mean(Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021). These improvements were attributed to increased muscle activation capacity (Markovic and Mikulic, 2010;), greater muscle crosssectional area and strength(Malisoux et al., 2006;Grgic et al., 2021), and enhanced efficiency of the SSC(Taube et al., 2012; Radnor et al., 2018). These adaptations potentially enhance single sprint capacity, thereby improving RSA.Further analysis of the included studies revealed that the specific exercises within ST, including linear sprints, change-of-direction sprints, repeated sprint training, and highintensity interval training, all target and improve the neuromuscular and metabolic limiting factors of RSA (as mentioned in the Introduction section). ...
The Effect of Combined Strength, Plyometric, and Sprint Training on Repeated Sprint Ability in Team-Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is crucial for success in team sports, involving both neuromuscular and metabolic factors. While single-mode training (SGL; e.g., sprint training) and combined training (CT; e.g., sprint + plyometric) can improve RSA, whether CT offers additional benefits compared to SGL or active controls maintaining routine training (CON) remains uncertain in team-sport athletes. This study evaluates the effect of CT versus SGL and CON on the RSA of team-sport athletes. A systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases. Thirteen studies involving 394 males and 28 females, aged 14 to 26 years, were included. The random effects model for meta-analyses revealed greater improvement in RSA mean performance after CT compared to SGL (Hedge's g effect size [g] = -0.46; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -0.82, -0.10; p < 0.01) and CON (g = -1.39; 95% CI: -2.09, -0.70; p < 0.01). CT also improved RSA best performance compared to CON (g = -1.17; 95% CI: -1.58, -0.76; p < 0.01). The GRADE analyses revealed low- to very-low certainty of evidence in all meta-analyses. Subgroup analysis revealed that plyometric + sprint training yielded greater RSA mean (g = -1.46) and RSA best (g = -1.35) improvement than plyometric + resistance + sprint training and resistance + sprint training. The effects of CT on RSA did not differ according to age (≥ 18 vs. < 18), sports (e.g., soccer vs. basketball vs. handball), or RSA test type (linear sprint vs. sprint with change-of-direction). Studies showed an overall high risk of bias (RoB 2). In conclusion, CT may improve team-sport athletes' RSA more effectively than SGL (small effect size) and CON (large effect size), particularly when CT involves plyometric + sprint training. However, GRADE analyses (low- to very-low certainty of evidence) precludes robust recommendations.
View
... Overall, HSDT seems to have induced greater eccentric strength which in turn facilitates faster CoD performance by improving the ability to handle greater braking forces associated with faster approach velocities, particularly during the penultimate and final foot contacts during movement (Jones et al., 2017. Moreover, there are indications that higher eccentric strength increases joint stability and facilitates better force transfer through joints, all of which contribute to more efficient CoD abilities (Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021). ...
... More specifically, the factors underpinning high-intensity task performance improvements (e.g., higher number of recruited motor-unit and better motor-unit synchronisation, increasing firing frequencies, better stretch-shortening-cycle efficiency, or increased musculotendinous stiffness) (Bishop et al., 2011;Mirkov et al., 2010) may explain the observed RSA performance enhancements. Moreover, HSDT may have induced metabolic adaptations in terms of increases in muscular enzymatic activity, phosphocreatine and glycogen stores, and improved lactate buffering capacity (Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021). These metabolic changes could have potentially contributed to better RSA performance in adolescent male soccer players. ...
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... Mokou et al. (2016) and Castagna et al. (2008) suggest that the ability to repeat high intensity effort, including sprint and change of direction as in RSA, may be a major determinant of performance in basketball. Like other team sports, basketball players' RSA ability is improved through several training modalities, including maximal strength training, traditional sprint training, plyometric training, and complex training are mostly preferred by coaches (Borges et al., 2016;Buchheit et al., 2010;Ramirez-Campillo et al., 2021;Torres-Torrelo et al., 2018). ...
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This study aims to assess the influence of lower body compression tights on performance in the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) in young male basketball players. Twenty male basketball players participated in the study (age: 16.5±0.5 years, height: 176.8±5.71 cm, weight: 68.5±8.98 kg, basketball experience: 2.35±0.49 years). Players performed the RAST, comprising 6 x 35 m sprints with 10-second intervals, wearing regular shorts or compression tights, with a one-week interval between conditions. Before each test, a 24-hour dietary record calculated total calorie intake and the percentage of calories from carbohydrates to account for dietary variations. The Hooper Index was used to assess fatigue levels before each test. The RAST, conducted using a Newtest Powertimer photocell (300 Series, Oulu, Finland), determined maximal power (Pmax), minimum power (Pmin), average power (AP), and fatigue index (FI). Perceived exertion after each RAST was assessed using the Borg Scale (20-point system). Paired-samples t-test results showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the means from the two test sessions. The study suggests that lower body compression tights did not significantly impact RAST performance in young basketball players. Considering the study design, applying it to more experienced players after familiarization sessions with compression tights may yield different results.
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... Upper body plyometric training improved maximal strength (small magnitude), medicine ball throw performance (moderate magnitude), sport-specific throwing performance (small magnitude), and upper limbs muscle volume (moderate magnitude), however, according to GRADE analyses the certainty of evidence was low to very low. A meta-analysis of 13 studies (moderate to high methodological quality) found small magnitude, significant effects of plyometric jump training on repeated sprint ability, best and mean sprint times of athletes but no difference between control and plyometric jump training for repeated sprint ability fatigue resistance (Ramirez-Campillo et al. 2021b). They attributed these training gains to neuromechanical influences (e.g., strength, muscle activation, and coordination). ...
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Explosive movements requiring high force and power outputs are integral to many sports, posing distinct challenges for the neuromuscular system. Traditional resistance training can improve muscle strength, power, endurance, and range of motion; however, evidence regarding its effects on athletic performance, such as sprint speed, agility, and jump height, remains conflicting. The specificity of resistance training movements, including velocity, contraction type, and joint angles affects performance outcomes, demonstrates advantages when matching training modalities with targeted sports activities. However, independent of movement speed, the intent to contract explosively (ballistic) has also demonstrated high velocity-specific training adaptations. The purpose of this narrative review was to assess the impact of explosive or ballistic contraction intent on velocity-specific training adaptations. Such movement intent may predominantly elicit motor efferent neural adaptations, including motor unit recruitment and rate coding enhancements. Plyometrics, which utilize rapid stretch-shortening cycle movements, may augment high-speed movement efficiency and muscle activation, possibly leading to improved motor control through adaptations like faster eccentric force absorption, reduced amortization periods, and quicker transitions to explosive concentric contractions. An optimal training paradigm for power and performance enhancement might involve a combination of maximal explosive intent training with heavier loads and plyometric exercises with lighter loads at high velocities. This narrative review synthesizes key literature to answer whether contraction intent or movement speed is more critical for athletic performance enhancement, ultimately advocating for an integrative approach to resistance training tailored for sports-specific explosive action.
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... Regarding RSA mean sprint time, similarly to the current study's results, Buchheit et al. [5] observed an improvement in 30 m (15 + 15 m) in male soccer players aged 14.5 ± 0.5 years after a 10-week, once-weekly in-season program (unilateral CMJs, calf/squat plyometric jumps, and short sprints). In this context, Ramirez-Campillo et al. [25] reported in their review that plyometric training improves RSA best and RSA mean performance, while RSA fatigue resistance is not affected. This is likely due to neuromechanical factors (e.g., strength, muscle activation and coordination) that affect actual sprint performance rather than an ability to recover between sprints. ...
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Introduction: Plyometric training has become a popular training method of youth soccer players. Researchers have sought to use different forms of training to maximize performance responses. Aim of the Study: This study examined effects of a vertical versus horizontal plyometric jump training program on physical performance of adolescent male soccer players. Material and Methods: Thirty participants, aged 14.2 ± 0.7 years, were divided into a vertical group (VG; n = 10), a horizontal group (HG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). Before and after 12 weeks of training, as well as after 4 weeks, anthropometric characteristics, sprint/repeated sprint ability within straight speed tests, speed tests with 180° turns (RSAbest/mean/total), vertical jumping ability, and the 5-repetition maximum (5-RM) load in leg curls and split squats (single right/left leg) were measured. Results: The VG and the HG improved significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the CG in speed tests with 180° turns, RSAbest/mean/total sprints, squats/countermovement jumps, drop jumps’ contact time, leg curls, and split squats (single right/ left leg). Conclusions: Adding vertical or horizontal training exercises twice a week to regular soccer training improves speed, jumping ability and maximum lower limbs strength in youth soccer players.
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Lower limb muscle performance during a closed chain single leg squat and a squat jump in people with leg weakness after stroke: A comparative study
Article
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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
  • Feb 2020
  • SCAND J MED SCI SPOR
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
Full-text available
  • Jul 2019
  • SPORTS MED
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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