The Effect of Repeated Speed Exercises on Anaerobic Functional Variables, Explosive Leg Power, and Individual Defensive Movement in Handball

Badminton is a physically demanding sport requiring a combination of aerobic endurance, anaerobic power, agility, and explosive strength. Repeated sprint training (RST) has emerged as a time-efficient strategy for improving physical performance, but its comprehensive effects on badminton players are not fully elucidated. Twenty-eight male collegiate badminton players were randomly assigned to either a repeated sprint training group (RST; n = 14) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT; n = 14). In addition to regular skill-based badminton practice, the RST group performed 30-m all-out running sprints twice per week (2-3 sets of 6 × 30 m, 30 s passive recovery between sprints and 2 min active recovery between sets) over 8 weeks. The HIIT group completed standard badminton training combined with running-based high-intensity intervals prescribed around 90% HR_max. Before and after the intervention, all participants were assessed for aerobic capacity ( O2max, v O2max, first and second ventilatory thresholds), anaerobic power (Wingate peak power (PP), mean power (MP), fatigue index), repeated sprint ability (6 × 30-m sprints: ideal time (IS), total time (TS), performance decrement), agility (modified T-test), and lower-limb power (countermovement and spike jumps).Results: All participants completed the study, and no significant baseline differences were found between groups (p > 0.121). Significant main effects of time and group × time interactions were observed for O2max, v O2max, VT1, PP, MP, modified agility T-test, and spike jump height. The RST group showed greater post-intervention improvements in these variables than the HIIT group (all p ≤ 0.002), whereas the HIIT group demonstrated significant but smaller gains in O2max, v O2max, VT1, PP, and spike jump height (p < 0.05). Significant time effects were also found for IS, TS, VT2, and countermovement jump height, with both groups improving after training (all p < 0.05), particularly in the RST group.Conclusion: An 8-week, twice-weekly 30-m RST program added to standard badminton training proved effective for concurrently improving aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, repeated sprint ability, agility, and lower limb explosive power in collegiate male badminton players. These findings suggest that this specific RST protocol is a potent and time-efficient training modality for enhancing the multifaceted physical fitness required for badminton performance.

Explosive power is a motor quality with wide application and need for development in various sports. Every sport requires different methods and training. For this reason, we have conducted some experimental work, whose goal is to do more specific research on explosive power in rhythmic gymnastics. The aim of the experiment is to study the development of motor quality “explosive power of the lower limbs” and the transfer of motor habits among 10 – 12-year-old female gymnasts. An experimental methodology consisting of 12 exercises for the development of explosive power of lower limbs has been applied for 2 months (3 times a week) to the experimental group. The “Vertical Jump”, “Split Leap” and “Turning Split Leap” tests were used to check the transfer of motor habits. The analysis of the results has showed that after the sports-pedagogical experiment, the experimental group significantly improved their results – by 4,30 cm on the “Vertical Jump” test and by 16,10 cm on the “Standing Long Jump” test. We found a positive transfer of motor habit when comparing the results between “Vertical Jump” and “Split Leap”. The study gives us reason to conclude that the experimental methodology, developed and applied in this study, works and can be used in coaching practice. Significant development of explosive power of lower limbs has been achieved in the 10- 12-year-old gymnasts and the ease of performing jumps was increased as well, which helps them to more easily learn and master their technical performance according to the requirements of rhythmic gymnastics and the FIG Code of Points.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between agility and speed and the explosive power of the lower limbs in youth football players. A total of 45 male athletes (ages 12–14) participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements (body height, body weight, and waist circumference) were recorded, and participants completed a series of motor performance tests. These included field-based assessments such as the agility 10x5m test, the agility T-test, sprint tests (10m and 20m), and the standing long jump. Laboratory-based assessments included the Leonardo Mechanography platform for measuring maximal force during a two-legged jump (S2LJ), and isometric strength tests using a dynamometric chair to determine maximal torque in both lower limbs. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were used to examine the associations between agility and speed with explosive lower limb power. Results indicated significant correlations between agility tests and all explosive power measures, particularly between the agility T-test and both isometric torque and S2LJ force. Similarly, sprint performance (10m and 20m) showed strong inverse correlations with the standing long jump, S2LJ, and isometric torque, suggesting that greater explosive strength is associated with faster sprint times. These findings highlight the importance of developing lower limb explosive power in youth football training, as it contributes to improved agility and sprinting ability. Keywords: youth football, agility, speed, explosive power, standing long jump

Background In the triple jump event, the explosive power, coordination, and specialized performance of lower limb muscles are key factors determining athletes’ performance. However, traditional high load resistance training has limitations in improving athletes’ lower limb coordination and sustained explosive power. Objective The main purpose of the study is to investigate the training effect of low-load resistance combined with single-leg pressurized exercise method on athletes’ lower limb muscle explosive power, coordination, and special performance. Method For the study, twenty male triple jumpers were enlisted and split into ten-person experimental and control groups at random. The training effects of conventional single-leg high load resistance training and low-load resistance mixed with single-leg compression training were compared using the experimental approach. The experimental duration was 8 weeks. Before and after the experiment, the athletes’ lower limb muscle circumference, body composition, lower limb dynamic balance ability, isokinetic strength, counter movement jump, one repetition maximum squats, key performance indicators of lower limb explosive power, and triple jump special scores were tested. Results After an eight-week training period, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group across key performance metrics. Specifically, the experimental group showed superior gains in lower limb muscle circumference, dynamic balance, isokinetic peak torque, and maximum power in the countermovement jump ( p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, their 1RM squat strength and triple jump performance were also significantly enhanced. Conclusion It shows that the low-load resistance combined with single-leg pressurization exercise method can effectively improve the athletes’ lower limb explosive power, coordination, and special performance. This provides a reliable lower limb explosive power training program for athletes and coaches.

Basketball requires repeated high-intensity actions such as sprinting, jumping, and change-of-direction (COD) movements. Therefore, repeated sprint training incorporating COD actions may be an effective strategy to improve basketball-specific physical performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 6-week COD repeated sprint training program on explosive power, sprint performance, and COD performance in U19 basketball players. Twenty male U19 basketball players were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). The experimental group performed COD repeated sprint training three times per week for six weeks in addition to regular basketball training, while the control group continued regular training only. Performance assessments included countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), 30-m sprint, and T-test measures before and after the intervention. The experimental group demonstrated significant within-group improvements in CMJ, SJ, 30-m sprint, and T-test performance following the intervention. Between-group comparisons revealed significant improvements in CMJ and SJ performance in favor of the experimental group, whereas no significant between-group differences were observed for 30-m sprint or COD performance. A 6-week COD repeated sprint training program may be effective for improving lower-limb explosive power in U19 basketball players. However, its effects on sprint and COD performance appear limited when compared with regular basketball training. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07477379. Registered on 10.03.2026. Retrospectively registered.

Summary Acrobatic rock and roll is dynamic sport dance where explosive power is very important ability. Aim. The aim of the thesis was to determine and compare the level of explosive power of the lower limbs of acrobatic rock and roll dancers. We assume that dancers from couple categories will reach a significantly higher level of explosive power of the lower limbs than dancers from ladies formations. Methods. The research sample consisted of 22 acrobatic rock and roll female dancers. To determine the level of explosive power of the lower limbs, we used a 10 s test on a jump ergometer. We used the non-parametric statistical method Mann Whitney U-test for independent files. Results. The female dancers from couple categories achieved better results in all parameters than dancers from ladies formations. The first examined parameter was the power in the active phase of the take off where the dancers from couples achieved 46.08 ± 5.32 W.kg−1, the dancers from ladies formations reached 38.13 ± 3.63 W.kg−1 (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.64). The second examined parameter was the height of the jump, where dancers from couples achieved 28.91 ± 2.49 cm, dancers from ladies formations reached 25.92 ± 3.21 cm (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.48). The last examined parameter was the rebound efficiency, where dancers from couples achieved 177.41 ± 25.62 cm.s−1, dancers from ladies formations reached 138.48 ± 15.96 cm.s−1 (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.65). Conclusions. In addition to differences in the explosive power of the lower limbs, the results also pointed to the importance of development in all categories. We recommend dancers to include plyometric exercises and repeated rope skipping jumps in the pre-competition and competition period, after completing strength training.

Background: Basketball performance relies heavily on explosive power, coordination, and technical skill. Shooting is a critical determinant of game outcomes, and explosive leg power is essential for achieving high shooting efficiency. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between explosive leg power and shooting performance across different types of shots in basketball. Methods: Ten male players from the University of Basrah basketball team (mean age: 23.5 ± 2.56 years) participated in the study. Explosive leg power was assessed using the vertical jump test, while shooting performance was evaluated through three types of shots: three-point shots, jump shots inside the arc, and lay-ups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationships (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Significant positive correlations were found between explosive leg power and all shooting types: three-point shots (r = 0.849), jump shots inside the arc (r = 0.921), and lay-ups (r = 0.945), indicating that higher leg power is associated with better shooting performance. Conclusions: Explosive leg power is strongly linked to shooting accuracy and performance. Therefore, coaches should incorporate plyometric and explosive strength training into basketball programs to enhance players’ shooting skills and overall performance.

This study investigates the effects of functional training on the development of explosive power in Greco-Roman wrestlers. The research involved 20 male athletes aged 18–25, divided into two groups: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG followed an 8-week training program incorporating plyometric exercises, weightlifting exercises (snatch, clean &amp; jerk, speed squats), and isometric holds, while the CG continued their standard training routine without a specific focus on explosive power development. Pre- and post-training assessments included the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, medicine ball throw, force plate measurements, and dynamometry. The results revealed significant improvements in the EG: CMJ height increased by 12.5%, maximal push-off force by 11.6%, and ground contact time decreased by 18.2%. The medicine ball throw distance improved by 13.9%, and grip strength increased by 11.2%. In contrast, the CG exhibited minor improvements ranging from 3.8% to 5.1%. A correlation analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between lower-limb explosive power, maximal push-off force, upper-body strength, and grip strength (r &gt; 0.90, p &lt; 0.001). These findings confirm that explosive strength is a key determinant of performance in Greco-Roman wrestling. The study aligns with previous research, highlighting the benefits of combining plyometric and weightlifting exercises to enhance speed-strength characteristics in combat sports athletes. The practical significance lies in the application of these training methods to improve wrestlers' explosive power, providing a competitive advantage in high-performance wrestling.

Background: Explosive power, an essential component encompassing both speed and strength, plays a fundamental role in various physical activities, crucial for both competitive sports and general fitness. Objective This research presents an investigation into methodologies for enhancing lower limb explosive power in children aged 6–12 years. It also employs data-driven techniques in correlation analyses and modelling. Methods The study involved an 8-week experiment of training lower limb explosive power using squat jump, 15-metre sprint, hurdle hop, etc. The explosive power was measured using a TENDO device. Combined with correlation analysis and linear regression, predictive models of children's lower limb explosive power have been developed through a data-driven approach using a fuzzy rule-based system. Results Correlation analyses reveal significant associations between changes in explosive power and metrics such as vertical jump height and 30-meter sprint time. Regression analyses produce predictive equations tailored to gender-specific differences. The predictive models derived with the fuzzy rule-based system demonstrate good accuracy. Conclusions The proposed training programme effectively contributes to the enhancement of the lower limb power in children, while the advanced modelling techniques furnish precise prognostic tools, facilitating nuanced and targeted training interventions.

Personality characteristics, problem-solving, movement speed, explosive leg power and correlations between them are essential topics in elite handball, although studies in these fields are relatively rare. The correlations between psychological characteristics, problem-solving abilities, and some motor abilities in two different age categories were researched. The sample included 41 female handball players, 24 of which were members of the senior national team, with an average age of 24.79 years (SD = 4.84 years), and 17 girls from the Slovenian youth national team, whose average age was 16.35 (SD = 0.70 years). The differences in age between groups were statistically significant (t = 8.42, p (t) = 0.00). Players’ psychological characteristics were examined with the Wartegg test, while the Runs Test (different sprints and vertical jumps) was used to assess players’ motor abilities. Identity has a significant negative (-0.61) correlation to CMJ - youth players with a lower identity score jumped higher. Furthermore, rationalemotional integrity is also negatively correlated to CMJ (0.58). Results do not conclusively describe the correlation between problem-solving and movement speed among female handball players. No any statistically significant differences between youth and senior players were discovered. The test results are an essential contribution to a better understanding of the correlation between specific psychological characteristics and problem-solving in relation to movement speed and explosive leg power of youth and senior female elite handball players despite the fact that the correlations were not statistically significant. However, this was the first use of the Wartegg test in female handball.

Background: Elite referees make more than 1,400 changes of action and up to 500 changes of direction in a match, which places a high demand on the explosive power of lower limbs. Lower limb injuries are a common problem for soccer referees and have a negative impact on their performance in a match. The purpose of the study was to assess the explosive power and dynamic stability of soccer referees from the viewpoint of refereeing function. Methods: The research sample consisted of 26 soccer referees, including 13 head referees and 13 assistant referees. The following jump tests were administered to determine the referees’ lower limb explosive power: the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the countermovement jump test with free arms (CMJ FA), the squat jump (SJ), and a 10-second vertical jump test. The level of dynamic stability was diagnosed by the Y Balance test. Results: Compared to assistant referees, head referees reached higher levels of explosive power in all measured parameters but the differences were not statistically significant. For the level of dynamic stability, we observed significant differences in the composite score and % lower limb length in favor of the referees in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions for the left and right legs. Conclusions: The greatest differences were found in dynamic stability, specifically in the composite score and % lower limb length in the posteromedial and posterolateral direction. The differences may be caused by typical movement patterns associated with these two adjudicatory roles. We recommend the inclusion of compensatory exercises in the training of assistant referees.

People with Down syndrome (DS) usually display reduced physical fitness (aerobic capacity, muscle strength and abnormal body composition), motor proficiency impairments (balance and postural control) and physical functional limitations. Exergames can be an appealing alternative to enhance exercise engagement and compliance, whilst improving physical fitness and motor function. This study aims to analyse the effects of a Wii-based exercise program on physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS. Twenty-seven adults with DS were randomly allocated to an experimental group (Wii; n=14) or control group (n=13). Participants in the experimental group completed a 2-month Wii-based exercise program, with three 1-h sessions per week that included training games for aerobic endurance, balance and isometric strength. Participants completed assessments regarding anthropometric measures, physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency. Mixed ANOVA analysis showed a significant group by time interaction for aerobic endurance, explosive leg power and flexibility. Independent samples t-test for change scores indicated significant between-group differences favouring the experimental group regarding speed of limb movement, trunk strength and functional mobility, as well as a trend towards significance on body weight. Mann-Whitney's U test for change scores demonstrated between-group differences favouring the experimental group for visceral fat as well as running speed and agility. Large within-group effect sizes were observed for explosive leg power (d=1.691), body weight (d=1.281), functional mobility (d=1.218), aerobic endurance (d=1.020), speed of limb movement (d=0.867) and flexibility (d=0.818) in the experimental group. Our findings suggest that Wii-based exercise can be an effective tool to improve physical fitness, functional mobility and motor proficiency of adults with DS, including crucial measures such as aerobic capacity and lower limb strength. Exergames using Wii Fit or other equipment can be appealing alternatives for adults with DS to engage in regular physical activity, preventing sedentary behaviour and decreasing the risk to develop cardiovascular diseases.

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The explosive power in Rhythmic Gymnastics shows itself in the great majority of movements and elements performed by the gymnasts, particularly in the jumps, which are essential corporal movements in this sport. The training directed to the development of jumping capacity presents a large quantity of exercises which aim to improve muscular power in the lower limbs and therefore the impulsion capacity. The vertical impulsion is an important measure used to calculate the explosive power of the lower limbs and is directly connected to the success that the gymnast will be able to achieve. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the height of two jumps in the RG (stag jump and Cossack jump) in contact mat Ergojump, which calculates the jump height in connection with the flight timing, executed by national level junior gymnasts and to compare them to the results of the Junior National Team - in total 30 junior gymnasts with 13.73 ± 0.17 years old. Furthermore, to compare the levels of explosive power of preferred lower limb (PLL) and non-preferred lower limb (NPLL) of all gymnasts in the study, in order to verify eventual functional asymmetries. For the statistical analysis we used Parametric Tests (t Test) and Nonparametric (Mann-Whitney Test and Wilcoxon Test). The gymnasts of the National Team achieved superior marks in 33.3% of the tests and 83.3% of the gymnasts of our sample did not present explosive power asymmetries. We conclude that the gymnasts of the National Team did not show the expected superiority in the tests, and the most of gymnasts presented a harmonious development of explosive power for both lower limbs, since they did not show functional asymmetries.

Lower-limb explosive power is crucial for sprinters and jumpers, directly influencing performance in speed and jumping ability. Traditional strength training approaches often fail to maintain explosive power in the long term, particularly after periods of detraining. Investigating training methods that can both enhance and sustain lower-limb explosive power is important for improving athletic performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 6-week plyometric training program on enhancing and maintaining lower-limb explosive power in sprinters. Forty male sprinters were randomly assigned to either an experimental (plyometric training) or a control (traditional strength training) group (age: 20.2 ± 1.6 years, height: 182 ± 6.2 cm, weight: 72.1 ± 5.3 kg). Training was conducted three times per week for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week detraining period. Lower-limb explosive power was assessed using the mean power in the squat jump and countermovement jump, 30 m sprints, 100 m sprints, standing long jumps, and standing triple jumps at baseline, post-training, and after the detraining phase. A significant group-by-time interaction effect was observed for key performance indicators, including squat jump power (ηp2 = .173, p < .001) and 30 m sprint time (ηp2 = .315, p < .001). Post-training, the plyometric group significantly increased squat jump power by 28.5% (p < .001) and was faster than the control group in the 30 m sprint (p < .05). After the 2-week detraining period, the plyometric group’s performance in vertical jumps and the 100 m sprint remained significantly higher than baseline (p < .01), an effect not observed in the control group for sprint performance. Plyometric training significantly enhanced lower-limb explosive power and demonstrated strong retention of these gains after a 2-week detraining period. These adaptations appear more longer-lasting than those from traditional strength training, particularly for the specific demands of sprinting. These findings provide valuable insights for designing training regimens to achieve lasting improvements in explosive performance for athletes.