The impact of different combinations of plyometric training on the physical performances: experimental study on student-athletes

Abstract

Plyometric training (PT) can be performed in a variety type of exercises involving the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) in lower limbs. Numerous research has examined the impact of plyometric exercise on various sport performances in various populations over the past few decades. The objective of this research is to analyse the effect of combined plyometric exercises on strength, speed, and power in student-athletes. Thirty-three student athletes were classified into three experimental groups and were given six weeks of respected training specific to their group: CS (continue board jump + skater hops), TI (tuck jump + ins and outs), and ST (standard conventional training). Pretest and posttest measures on strength, power, and speed were obtained. Data analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed rank and Kruskall-Wallis test to examine group differences. Follow up test was done using Mann-Whitney whenever a statistically significant different was identified between groups. It was found that strength increased significantly after PT was done for six weeks (p=0.000), with CS showed highest improvement. Between-group difference was only found in strength which were between CS-TI (p=0.000) and ST-TI (p=0.020) pairs. Based on these findings, it was concluded that combined plyometric trainings done in six weeks were able to improve strength, power, and speed in student-athletes. Keywords: Physical performance; plyometric training; power; speed; strength; stretch-shortening cycle