Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
BackgroundThe sequence of blocked balance training (BT) followed by blocked plyometric training (PT) showed greater improvements in physical performance than vice versa and is explained by a preconditioning effect of BT-related adaptations on subsequent adaptations induced by PT. However, it remains unclear whether beneficial effects can also be induced using alternating instead of blocked BT and PT exercise sequences. Thus, we examined the effects of a blocked versus an alternated sequence of BT and PT on physical performance in trained individuals.MethodsTwenty young soccer players (13 years) were randomly assigned to a blocked (n = 10) or an alternated (n = 10) intervention group. Both groups trained balance and plyometric exercises for six weeks (two sessions/week). The exercises were conducted in a blocked (three weeks of BT followed by three weeks of PT) or an alternated sequence (weekly change of BT and PT). Assessment of pre- and post-training performance included measures of balance, muscle power, speed, and agility.ResultsMainly significant main effects of Test (i.e., pre- to post-test improvements) were observed for the Y-balance test (p ≤ 0.014, 1.3 ≤ Cohen’s d ≤ 1.81), the squat jump (p = 0.029, d = 1.36), the countermovement jump (p = 0.002, d = 2.21), the drop jump (p = 0.004, d = 1.96), the split times/total time over 15-m sprinting (p ≤ 0.001, 2.02 ≤ d ≤ 3.08), and the figure-T agility run (p < 0.001, d = 3.80). Further, tendencies toward significant Test x Group interactions were found for several items of the Y-balance test and for SJ height in favor of the blocked BTPT group.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the combined training of balance and plyometric exercises is effective to improve proxies of physical performance in youth soccer players. In addition, there is a limited advantage in some parameters of balance and muscle power for the blocked as compared to the alternated sequence of BT and PT.
Highlights
The sequence of blocked balance training (BT) followed by blocked plyometric training (PT) showed greater improvements in physical performance than vice versa and is explained by a preconditioning effect of BTrelated adaptations on subsequent adaptations induced by PT
In comparison to the active control group, all PT programs resulted in significant improvements in muscle power and balance
Balance Irrespective of leg, the analyses revealed statistically significant main effects of Test for all but one (i.e., AT reach direction) reach directions (7.573 ≤ F1, 15 ≤ 13.833, p ≤ 0.014, 1.3 ≤ Cohen’s d ≤ 1.81)
Summary
The sequence of blocked balance training (BT) followed by blocked plyometric training (PT) showed greater improvements in physical performance than vice versa and is explained by a preconditioning effect of BTrelated adaptations on subsequent adaptations induced by PT. It remains unclear whether beneficial effects can be induced using alternating instead of blocked BT and PT exercise sequences. In terms of PT, RamirezCampillo et al [3] investigated the effects of different jump exercise programs (i.e., vertical jumps only, horizontal jumps only, combination of vertical and horizontal jumps) in young soccer players (age range: 10–14 years). In comparison to the active control group (i.e., soccer training only), all PT programs resulted in significant improvements in muscle power (e.g., countermovement jump [CMJ]) and balance (e.g., two-legged stance)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
