Effect of plyometric training on dynamic leg strength and jumping performance in rhythmic gymnastics: A preliminary study

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BACKGROUND: Reactive performance is an important component of rhythmic gymnastics. So far, it is unclear whether additional plyometric training in female gymnasts shows an increase in performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of additional plyometric training in rhythmic gymnastics on the reactive jumping performance and strength of the lower leg muscles. METHODS: Fifteen rhythmic gymnasts (age: 12.3 ± 2.6 years, height: 1.47 ± 0.12 m, body weight: 37.3 ± 9.3 kg, BMI: 16.7 ± 2.1 kg*m-2; competition level: national and international championships, Tanner stages I–III) participated in the study. The athletes were assigned to an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG performed plyometric exercises three times per week in addition to the regular training. Before and after six weeks of training the reactive jump performance, the work of dorsi flexors and plantar flexors performed during isokinetic plantarflexion, as well as the performance in two sport-specific tests were measured. RESULTS: In contrast to the CG, in the EG the jump height (pre: 24.8; post: 27.25 cm; p< 0.05) and the reactive-strength-index (pre: 1.01; post: 1.19; p< 0.01) increased significantly. The EG achieved significant improvements in the counter movement jump test (pre: 27.0 cm; post: 31.5 cm; p< 0.01) and in the sport specific double rope jump test (jumps per minute, pre: 18.0; post: 23.0; p< 0.01). Furthermore, a significant increase in work performed during plantarflexion was found in the EG for the right leg (pre: 24.9 J; post: 29.7 J; p< 0.01) and a tendency to increase for the left leg (pre: 26.4 J; post: 37.7 J; p= 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both reactive strength and dynamic force can be efficiently increased by plyometric training. It may be recommended to include plyometric exercises in the training regime of rhythmic gymnasts.