Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Extremity Force Production and Reactive Strength in Adolescent Female Basketball Players

Abstract

Effects of Plyometric Training on Lower Extremity Force Production and Reactive Strength in Adolescent Female Basketball Players Randy Hill, PT, DPT, Sarah Banks, PT, DPT, Jenna Sawdon-Bea, PT, PhD, Jennifer Roos, PT, DPT, GCS, Julie DeYoung, PT, DPT, OCS Abstract Purpose:The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 6-week, standardized, group-based plyometric training program on force generating potential of knee extensors, hip abductors, and hip extensors and reactive strength as measured by the reactive strength index in a sample of adolescent female basketball players. Methods: Seventeen female basketball players completed the study, 13 to 16 years of age (average of 14 years). Isometric force production of knee extensors, hip abductors, and hip extensors was measured with the hand-held MicroFet3 dynamometer. Reactive strength index was measured with the MuscleLab Ergotest infrared contact grid using depth jumps. The intervention consisted of 6 exercises performed prior to normal basketball practice twice per week for 6 weeks. Results: statistically significant improvements were observed between pre-test and post-test for all force measurements with the exception of right leg hip abduction. Reactive strength index did not significantly change. Conclusions: findings suggest the proposed plyometric training program offers sufficient stimulus to improve lower extremity force production, but not reactive strength in adolescent female athletes. More research is needed comparing the intervention to a control group and to determine an exercise dose necessary to produce changes in reactive strength index. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jpesm.v8n1a5