Effect of Plyometric Training on Young Athlete’s Performance According to Body Corpulence and Dropping Height

Abstract

Effect of Plyometric Training on Young Athlete’s Performance According to Body Corpulence and Dropping Height Background: Short-term plyometric training might enhance a wide range of athletic performance in young athletes. Aim: To examine the effect of three-plyometric training protocols including a drop jump (DJ) from 3-different heights (i.e., 30, 40, and 50 cm) according to the athlete’s body corpulence. Methods: Thirty-six young athletes (age 15.41 ± 1.23 years; body height 169.5 ± 6.7 cm; body mass 54.1 ± 8.3 kg and body mass index (BMI) 18.8 ± 2.1 kg/m²) participated in this study. They were divided into three homogeneous groups (12 athletes in each group: 6 are healthy-weight and 6 underweight) classified on the basis of their BMI. The first group followed a DJ training protocol below 30 cm of height (DJ30), the second one 40 cm (DJ40) and the third one 50cm (DJ50). All groups trained for 8-weeks, for two session’s per-week. Results: Plyometric training had a beneficial impact on muscle explosive power and jumping performance for all participants regardless of the dropping height. All parameters studied in the squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) showed a significant increase (p<0.05). When considering drop jump (DJ), data analysis showed that DJ40 and DJ50 groups significantly improved their performance except ground contact time, which remain almost constant. However, DJ30 group did not improve his performance in DJ. Moreover, between-groups analysis revealed no significant difference between the three groups in regards to the dropping height. Delta-percentage analysis depending on the body corpulence showed that the underweight young athletes following DJ50 recorded better performance enhancement in CMJ height and in DJ power compared to DJ40 and DJ30 groups. Conclusions: The main results of this study revealed that the DJ40 and DJ50 plyometric training program might improve performance for underweight 15-16 years old athletes.