Abstract
Plyometric training (PT) enhances soccer performance, particularly vertical jump. However, the effectiveness of PT depends on various factors. A systematic search of the research literature was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying the effects of PT on countermovement jump (CMJ) height in soccer players. Ten studies were obtained through manual and electronic journal searches (up to April 2017). Significant differences were observed when compared: (1) PT group vs. control group (ES=0.85; 95% CI 0.47–1.23; I2=68.71%; p<0.001), (2) male vs. female soccer players (Q=4.52; p=0.033), (3) amateur vs. high-level players (Q=6.56; p=0.010), (4) single session volume (<120 jumps vs. ≥120 jumps; Q=6.12, p=0.013), (5) rest between repetitions (5s vs. 10s vs. 15s vs. 30s; Q=19.10, p<0.001), (6) rest between sets (30s vs. 60s vs. 90s vs. 120s vs. 240s; Q=19.83, p=0.001) and (7) and overall training volume (low: <1600 jumps vs. high: ≥1600 jumps; Q=5.08, p=0.024). PT is an effective form of training to improve vertical jump performance (i.e., CMJ) in soccer players. The benefits of PT on CMJ performance are greater for interventions of longer rest interval between repetitions (30s) and sets (240s) with higher volume of more than 120 jumps per session and 1600 jumps in total. Gender and competitive level differences should be considered when planning PT programs in soccer players.
Highlights
Significant differences were observed when compared: (1) Plyometric training (PT) group vs. control group (ES1⁄4 0.85; 95% CI 0.47–1.23; I21⁄468.71%; po0.001), (2) male vs. female soccer players (Q1⁄4 4.52; p1⁄40.033), (3) amateur vs. high-level players (Q1⁄46.56; p1⁄40.010), (4) single session volume (o120 jumps vs. Z120 jumps; Q1⁄4 6.12, p1⁄40.013), (5) rest between repetitions (5 s vs. 10 s vs. 15 s vs. 30 s; Q1⁄4 19.10, po0.001), (6) rest between sets (30 s vs. 60 s vs. 90 s vs. 120 s vs. 240 s; Q1⁄4 19.83, p1⁄40.001) and (7) and overall training volume
Meta-analysis according to different moderator variables were performed
The meta-analyzed effect of PT was moderate on countermovement jump (CMJ) height (ES 1⁄40.85; 95% CI 0.47–1.23; I21⁄4 68.71%; po 0.001), when compared to control group (Fig. 2)
Summary
Raw and analyzed Data were acquired from articles included in the current meta-analysis. Meta-analysis according to different moderator variables (type of intervention, gender, age, and competitive levels, volume of training sessions based on number of jumps per single session, types of plyometric exercises, training program duration in weeks, weekly frequency of training, rest interval between repetitions, rest interval between sets, and overall training volume) were performed. (3) Comparison: CMJ height changes after PT according to the type of intervention, gender, age, and competitive level, volume of training sessions based on number of jumps per single session, types of plyometric exercises, training program duration in weeks, weekly frequency of training, rest interval between repetitions, rest interval between sets, and overall training volume;. Greater effect of PT was observed for females compared to male soccer players (Q1⁄44.52; p1⁄4 0.033) (Table 2)
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