ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC CHANGES FOLLOWING SPRINT SPECIFIC PLYOMETRIC PROGRAM IN SPRINTERS

Abstract

Purpose: The ability to reach a high running velocity over a short period of time is essential for sprinters. Sprinting requires appropriate muscle recruitment for an athlete to perform. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the sprint specific plyometric training on electromyographic (EMG) changes in sprinters. Methodology: 40 university sprinters volunteered and were randomly assigned into two groups, group 1 (G1; n=20) sprint specific plyometric training group(mean age 18.65±0.875; mean height 164.10±11.30 cm; mean mass 59.20±10.74 kg) and group 2 (G2; n= 20) control group (mean age 18.95±1.19; mean height 166.60±9.80 cm; mean mass 61.60±9.24 kg ). Both sprint specific plyometric training group and control group were assessed for neuromuscular activity of lower limb muscles by telemetric Noraxon TELEMYO U.S.A., Inc.v3.1.10 machine. Subjects in training group performed six weeks sprint specific plyometric protocol thrice a week. The EMG activities in the tibialis anterior (TA), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), medial gastrocnemius (MG) and semitendinosis muscle (ST) were assessed pre and post training. Results: The results showed significant changes (p<0.05) in the EMG activities for the mean amplitude of RF(rt), MG(lt), ST(rt) muscles and maximum periods of TA(rt), VL(rt), MG(lt) and ST(rt) muscles. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the neuromuscular training program can increase the muscle recruitment to perform high intensity activities hence, can be recommended to coaches for athletes or individual. Article visualizations: