Abstract
Plyometric training performed at sea level enhance explosive and endurance performance at sea level. However, its effects on explosive and endurance performance at high altitude had not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sea level short-term (i.e., 4-week) plyometric training program on explosive and endurance performance at sea level and at high altitude (i.e., 3,270 m above sea level). Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 12) and a plyometric training group (n = 11). Neuromuscular (reactive strength index – RSI) and endurance (2-km time-trial; running economy [RE]; maximal oxygen uptake - VO2max) measurements were performed at sea level before, at sea level after intervention (SL +4 week), and at high altitude 24-h post SL +4 week. The ANOVA revealed that at SL +4 week the VO2max was not significantly changed in any group, although RE, RSI and 2-km time trial were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in the plyometric training group. After training, when both groups were exposed to high altitude, participants from the plyometric training group showed a greater RSI (p < 0.05) and were able to maintain their 2-km time trial (11.3 ± 0.5 min vs. 10.7 ± 0.6 min) compared to their pre-training sea level performance. In contrast, the control group showed no improvement in RSI, with a worse 2-km time trial performance (10.3 ± 0.8 min vs. 9.02 ± 0.64 min; p < 0.05; ES = 0.13). Moreover, after training, both at sea level and at high altitude the plyometric training group demonstrated a greater (p < 0.05) RSI and 2-km time trial performance compared to the control group. The oxygen saturation was significantly decreased after acute exposure to high altitude in the two groups (p < 0.05). These results confirm the beneficial effects of sea level short-term plyometric training on explosive and endurance performance at sea level. Moreover, current results indicates that plyometric training may also be of value for endurance athletes performing after an acute exposure to high altitude.
Highlights
Endurance performance depends on several aerobic factors (Coyle, 1995), like maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running economy (RE) (Shaw et al, 2014), that is the energy expenditure at different velocities (Saunders et al, 2004a)
Regarding to the reactive strength index, compared to the sea level pre-training value, neuromuscular performance was improved after plyometric training (139.3 ± 11.3% of pre-training performance; p < 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.20), while the control group did not modify its neuromuscular performance (Figure 2B)
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a sea level short-term plyometric training program on explosive and endurance performance at sea level and after an acute exposure to high altitude (i.e., 3,270 m above sea level)
Summary
Endurance performance depends on several aerobic factors (Coyle, 1995), like maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running economy (RE) (Shaw et al, 2014), that is the energy expenditure at different velocities (Saunders et al, 2004a). Some aerobic endurance determinants like RE (Conley and Krahenbuhl, 1980; Saunders et al, 2004a) can be affected by neuromuscular variables (Turner et al, 2003). Neuromuscular performance (i.e., jump-related explosive muscle actions) has been related with endurance performance at different distances (Hudgins et al, 2013). The energy cost of running reflects the sum of both aerobic and anaerobic (neuromuscular factors) metabolism (Daniels, 1985). Training strategies that can increase both aerobic and neuromuscular factors related with endurance performance would be of great value for endurance athletes
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