Effects Of Plyometric Training Research Articles

Plyometric training with additional load improves jumping performance and isokinetic strength parameters of knee extensors and flexors in young male soccer players

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of plyometric training with and without additional load on young male soccer players’ jumping ability and isokinetic strength. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 39 U-17 male trained soccer players were randomly divided into plyometric training with additional load (PT+AL), plyometric training with just bodyweight (PTBW) and control (CON) groups. PT+AL and PTBW were performed for six weeks (2 days/week). Absolute peak torque (APT), relative peak torque (RPT), average peak torque (AvPT), time-to-peak torque (TPT), average rate of force development (AvRFD), vertical jump height (VJH), standing long jump (SLJ) and 15-second repeated jump tests (RJ15s) were assessed before and after the interventions. The findings showed that the performance of knee extensors in TPT-60°/s and AvRFD-60°/s, and knee flexors in APT-60°/s, RPT-60°/s, AvPT-60°/s, AvPT-120°/s, AvRFD-60°/s and AvRFD-120°/s significantly increased after PT+AL, compared to the CON (p < 0.05). Also, a significant improvement in jumping ability was observed in PT+AL compared to CON (p < 0.05). Additionally, PTBW also improved the performance of knee flexors in TPT-120°/s and AvRFD-120°/s, as well as RJ15s performance compared to the CON (p < 0.05). Furthermore, knee flexors AvRFD-60°/s increased significantly after PT+AL, compared to PTBW (p < 0.05). SO, plyometric training, with or without additional load, improved young male soccer players’ strength and jumping ability. However, strength parameters – especially the rate of force development – showed a greater increase following PT + AL compared to PTBW.

Plyometric Training Enhances Proprioception: A Systematic Review

Context: This systematic review investigated the effects of plyometric exercise interventions on proprioception. Methods: An electronic search was conducted in October 2022 across eight databases: PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, Google Scholar, DOAJ, IEEE Xplore, and Cochrane. To be included in the review, studies had to meet all the established inclusion criteria. Twelve studies were included in the final analysis, and their quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Results: The review found that the included studies considered various plyometric training protocols and methods for assessing proprioception. Despite differences in training regimens and assessment metrics, the data consistently showed a positive effect of plyometric training on proprioception. Conclusions: The review concluded that plyometric exercises improve proprioception, regardless of the specific type of training or assessment method used. A primary limitation identified was the scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that focus on plyometric exercises and their impact on proprioception.

Exploring the potent enhancement effects of plyometric training on vertical jumping and sprinting ability in sports individuals.

This meta-analysis examines the impact of different combinations of plyometric training (complexity, training volume, and rest intervals) on immediate vertical jump and sprint performance in athletes. A systematic search was conducted in four databases, and Cochrane guidelines were used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Review Manager 5.4 software was employed to analyze outcome measures. Nineteen randomized controlled trials involving 293 participants were included. Single plyometric training-induced post-activation potentiation (PAP) had a slight positive effect on vertical jump performance [SMD = -0.24, 95% CI (-0.38, -0.1), P = 0.0009]. Optimal results were observed with rest intervals of 0.3-4min (SMD = 0.30, P = 0.0008). Sprint performance showed slight improvement [SMD = 0.27, 95% CI (0.03, 0.52), P = 0.03]. Complex plyometric training had a moderate effect on vertical jump performance [SMD = 0.58, 95% CI (-0.86, -0.23), P = 0.002], with the best outcomes seen with rest intervals exceeding 8min (SMD = 0.77). Sprint performance also improved significantly [SMD = 0.8, 95% CI (0.01, 1.59), P = 0.05]. Single-session plyometric training did not significantly enhance vertical jump performance [SMD = -0.19, 95% CI (-0.41, -0.02), P = 0.07], but had a notable effect on sprint performance [SMD = 0.8, 95% CI (0.01, 1.59), P = 0.05], particularly with rest intervals exceeding 8min (SMD = 0.77). Multiple-session plyometric training improved vertical jump (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI [0.01, 1.59), P = 0.00001 < 0.05], with optimal effects observed at rest intervals of 5-7min (SMD = 0.64). Sprint performance also improved [SMD = 0.46, 95% CI (0.01, 0.81), P = 0.01 < 0.05]. Plyometric training as an activation method has significant enhancing effects, depending on training complexity, volume, and rest intervals.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of plyometric vs. resistance training on lower limb explosive power and speed.

This meta-analysis examined the effects of plyometric training (PT) and resistance training (RT) on lower limb explosive power and speed quality in athletes, including lower limb jumping and short-distance sprinting abilities. Empirical studies investigating the PT and RT effect on lower limb explosive power were identified using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSOC, and CNKI databases. Heterogeneity testing and potential publication bias assessment were conducted using STATA 15 and Review Manager 5.4. There were 20 articles included, involving 457 participants (230 in the PT group and 227 in the RT group). The meta-analysis results indicated no significant difference in countermovement jump (CMJ) between PT and RT groups (SMD = -1.03; 95% CI = -5.20 - 3.14). Additionally, no significant differences were found between the two training methods for standing long jump (SLJ) (MD = -0.04; 95% CI = 0.00 - 0.09), squat jump (SJ) (MD = -0.79; 95% CI = 1.79 - 0.22), 10-m sprint (MD = -0.02; 95% CI = -0.06 - 0.02), and 30-m sprint (MD = -0.02; 95% CI = -0.15 - 0.11). However, PT and RT comparisons revealed a significant difference between the 5-m sprint (MD = -0.03; 95% CI = -0.05 - 0.00) and the 20-m sprint (MD = -0.05; 95% CI = -0.09 - 0.01). This meta-analysis demonstrated that relative to RT, PT significantly improved the sprinting abilities of athletes at 5-m and 20-m distances. However, no significant differences were observed in sprinting at 10 and 30 meters, CMJ, SLJ, and SJ, indicating consistent effects of PT and RT on jumping performance.

Meningkatkan Kekuatan Tendangan T Atlet Pencak Silat Lampung Utara Melalui Latihan Plyometric

The plyometric training method is in the spotlight in efforts to improve the performance of Pencak silat athletes, especially in increasing the strength of T kicks. Through measurable strength tests and careful statistical analysis, this research aims to identify the effectiveness of plyometric training in increasing the strength of athletes' T kicks. The implementation of plyometric exercises in an athlete's training program must be carried out taking into account the strength level and physical condition of each athlete. Regular monitoring and evaluation is needed to adjust the intensity and type of training to suit the athlete's development. In addition, collaboration between coaches, nutritionists and physiotherapists will ensure comprehensive support for athletes in achieving their best performance. With proper implementation and careful monitoring, these exercises not only increase the power and speed of T kicks, but also contribute to the athlete's overall development. Further research with larger and more diverse samples will help confirm these findings and guide the implementation of more effective plyometric training for Pencak silat athletes.

Meningkatkan Kekuatan Pukulan Jab: Analisis Latihan Plyometric Untuk Atlet Tinju

The strength of a jab in boxing is a crucial factor influencing match outcomes. The Plyometric training regimen, which combines strength training, plyometrics, and specific boxing techniques, aims to enhance both the power and speed of athletes' jabs. This research seeks to analyze the impact of this training program on improving jab strength and refining boxing technique. The study aims to identify significant changes in jab technique and strength following the implementation of the Plyometric regimen. The research methodology involves a descriptive approach, data collection from relevant sources, and statistical analysis to measure training effectiveness. Previous studies have shown that combining strength and plyometric training can improve punch speed and power. Syarifuddin &amp; Ali, (2017) reported significant improvements in power and accuracy in amateur boxers following similar training programs. Firmansyah, (2019) also confirmed that plyometric training can increase punch strength without reducing speed. Although specific data on the direct effects of Plyometric training are not yet available, this study concludes that training methods combining strength and plyometric elements have the potential to enhance jab strength. This conclusion is based on previous research supporting the benefits of similar training methods. Therefore, Plyometric training could be an effective approach for improving boxing performance when applied consistently. Further research is needed to provide more concrete empirical evidence on the direct effects of Plyometric training on jab strength. Coaches and athletes are advised to consider this training program as part of their routine, with guidance from sports experts to ensure effectiveness and safety. This conclusion provides a strong foundation for further exploration and practical application in the boxing world.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Running Biomechanics and Jumping Ability of U14 Athletes.

Cardiel-Sánchez, S, Rubio-Peirotén, A, Molina-Molina, A, García-Cebadera Gómez, C, Almenar-Arasanz, A, Ráfales-Perucha, A, Roche-Seruendo, LE, and Cartón-Llorente, A. Effects of plyometric training on running biomechanics and jumping ability of U14 athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-Children under the age of 14 years (U14) are particularly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders because of growth spurts. Plyometric training has been shown to be beneficial for both injury reduction and performance enhancement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plyometric training on the jumping ability and running biomechanics of U14 track-and-field athletes. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Thirty-five (18 female and 17 male) U14 athletes (age: 12.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 152.3 ± 7.7 cm; body mass: 47.3 ± 6.9 kg) were randomized into experimental and control groups. All subjects completed their usual training for 4 weeks, and those in the intervention group added a low-volume plyometric program twice a week. Preintervention and postintervention assessments included a countermovement jump (CMJ) to determine maximum jump height, 10-second repeated jumps to assess reactive strength index (RSI), and a 3-minute run at 12 km·h-1 to analyze running kinematics contact time, flight time, step length (SL), step frequency (SF), mean power output, vertical spring stiffness, and leg spring stiffness (LSS). The results revealed no main effect of time for any of the variables. A group-by-time interaction was found for RSI (p = 0.045) in the intervention group, whereas a significant increase in LSS was also found after the intervention (p = 0.031). However, no changes in CMJ height or other running parameters were observed. The significance level for the study was set at ρ ≤ 0.05. Plyometric-jump training may improve the stretch-shortening cycle in U14 athletes by increasing RSI and LSS. Athletes and coaches in running-related sports should be aware of these short-term effects when aiming to optimize the energy storage and release mechanism.

Effects of 16weeks of plyometric training on knee biomechanics during the landing phase in athletes.

This study investigated the effects of plyometric training on lower-limb muscle strength and knee biomechanical characteristics during the landing phase. Twenty-four male subjects were recruited for this study with a randomised controlled design. They were randomly divided into a plyometric training group and a traditional training group and underwent training for 16weeks. Each subject was evaluated every 8weeks for knee and hip isokinetic muscle strength as well as knee kinematics and kinetics during landing. The results indicated significant group and time interaction effects for knee extension strength (F=74.942 and p=0.001), hip extension strength (F=99.763 and p=0.000) and hip flexion strength (F=182.922 and p=0.000). For landing kinematics, there were significant group main effects for knee flexion angle range (F=4.429 and p=0.047), significant time main effects for valgus angle (F=6.502 and p=0.011) and significant group and time interaction effects for internal rotation angle range (F=5.475 and p=0.008). The group main effect for maximum knee flexion angle was significant (F=7.534 and p=0.012), and the group and time interaction effect for maximum internal rotation angle was significant (F=15.737 and p=0.001). For landing kinetics, the group main effect of the loading rate was significant (F=4.576 and p=0.044). Significant group and time interaction effects were observed for knee extension moment at the moment of maximum vertical ground reaction force (F=5.095 and p=0.010) and for abduction moment (F=8.250 and p=0.001). These findings suggest that plyometric training leads to greater improvements in hip and knee muscle strength and beneficial changes in knee biomechanics during landing compared to traditional training.

The Influence of Plyometric Training on Increasing the Shooting Accuracy

Football is a sport that requires mastery of fundamental techniques, including accurate shooting, to score goals and win matches. Observations at SSB Tesa FC Kutaraja revealed that many players struggle with shooting techniques, highlighting the need for an effective training method to address this issue. This study emphasizes the importance of improving shooting quality among SSB Tesa FC Kutaraja players, given that shooting is a critical skill in football for scoring goals and securing victories. The findings indicate that plyometric training significantly enhances players' shooting accuracy. The Wilcoxon test carried out produced a significance value (2-tailed) of 0.000, which indicated a significant increase in shooting accuracy after plyometric training. This approach has significantly improved shooting skills, making it a valuable addition to football training programs. The contribution of this research lies in reinforcing the theoretical foundation on the effectiveness of plyometric training in skill development and providing coaches with guidance for designing more effective training programs. Future research is encouraged to explore the combined effects of plyometric training with other methods to further enhance football skills.

The effect of plyometric training (hurddle jumps), body weight training (lunges) and speed on increasing leg muscle explosive power of futsal players: a factorial experimental design

Futsal games have high intensity and dynamics that require good skills and physical conditions, one of which is leg muscle explosiveness. By doing plyometric training (hurddle jump), body-weight training (lunges), and paying attention to explosive power factors including speed as a group determinant is believed to affect the explosive power of the player's leg muscles. However, despite recognizing the importance of both training methods in improving leg muscle explosive power, there is still a lack of a thorough understanding of their combined effect on players' leg muscle explosive power during futsal play. This study aims to analyze the differences in the effect of the intervention groups of plyometric training methods and body weight training by considering the level of running speed on explosive power results. Training groups include plyometric training groups and body weight training groups, while speed is categorized as high or low. Using an experimental approach with a 2 x 2 factorial design, this study randomly selected 20 players aged 17.1 ± 0.768 years. Training was conducted in three sessions per week for approximately six weeks. Training focused on fast/explosive movements. Speed data was collected using the 30m acceleration test and the leg muscle explosiveness standing broad jump test. The data were then statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA at the 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that both training methods can benefit individuals with high speed (P&lt;0.05). However, leg muscle explosive power training with plyometric exercise was more effective on individuals with high speed (P&lt;0.05). As for those with low speed, plyometric exercise can provide better results (P&lt;0.05). These findings provide valuable insights for futsal coaches and instructors in designing customized training programs to improve leg muscle explosiveness. Keywords: Plyometric, Body Weight, Speed, Power

The Effect of Plyometric Training on Biomotoric Characteristics of 10-13 Age Taekwondo Athletes

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of plyometric training on the biomotoric characteristics of 10-12-year-old taekwondo athletes. The control group of taekwondo athletes in the 10-13 age category in Isparta province, 5 male, 7 female, total 12, and the experimental group of 7 male, 6 female, total 13 competitive athletes participated in the study by obtaining 'parental information and consent form'. The experimental group in the study received regular plyometric training in addition to routine taekwondo training for 8 weeks, while the control group continued their routine taekwondo training programs. In the study, pre-test measurements were taken before the athletes started their training programs and post-test measurements were taken after the 8th week of the training programs were completed. Height and body weight measurements, BMI measurements, jump test, filamingo balance test, sit-reach-extend flexibility test, right and left hand grip test, leg strength test, back strength test, 20 meter sprint test and 20 meter shuttle run (Max.VO2) tests were applied to the athletes. Statistical package program was used to evaluate the statistical analyses of the study. In our study, age and gender frequency values and descriptive statistics values of age, height, weight, BMI and sport age of taekwondo athletes in the control group and experimental group were presented in tables. Paired Samples t-Tests were used to compare the pre-test and post-test values of weight, BMI, and biomotoric measurement test values of taekwondo athletes within groups, and One-Way ANOVA tests were used to compare the pre-test and post-test values between groups. As a result, it was determined that plyometric training with a taekwondo theme caused a significant improvement in the physical and biomotoric characteristics of the athletes. In this regard, it is believed that the training and competition performances of the athletes will also improve at a certain level.

Effectiveness of plyometric training in handball: impact on throwing power and speed

Handball calls for a variety of athletic skills, but throwing force is crucial for passing, scoring, and gaining momentum. Plyometric training uses explosive exercises that increase muscular contraction speed and force to improve power and speed. The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether adding plyometric workouts to handball players' training regimens can enhance their throwing ability to a noticeable degree. The research utilized an experimental design with a pretest-posttest methodology for a single group. The Sambas district handball team, which consisted of 15 athletes, picked the participants, who were between the ages of 17 and 22. Plyometric training was the intervention, and it was done in three sessions a week for four weeks. The Medicine Ball Javelin Quadrathlo strength test was used to gather data, and SPSS version 26 was used for analysis. The research showed that the mean throwing power and speed had significantly increased, with improvements of 2.07 between the pretest and posttest values of 19.93 and 22.00, respectively. The significance value obtained was 0.000, indicating a statistically significant enhancement. The plyometric training was found to be highly effective in enhancing the explosive strength and neuromuscular coordination required for powerful and fast throws in handball. In conclusion, the findings suggest that incorporating plyometric training into the training programs of handball players can substantially improve their throwing performance. Coaches and trainers are recommended to integrate plyometric exercises to maximize the athletic potential of their players. Keywords: plyometric training, handball, throwing power, throwing speed, explosive strength, athletic performance

The effects of plyometric training on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to analyze the effects of plyometric training (PT) on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players. Five databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar, were used to select articles published up to 20 December 2023, using a combination of keywords related to PT and female basketball players. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence in included articles were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB2) tool and "The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation" (GRADE). Ten studies were included for the systematic review, and eight for the meta-analysis, totalling 246 female basketball players aged 14.5-22.5years. Most of these players were highly trained. Most of the included studies exhibited concerns regarding the risk of bias. The PT programs lasted 4-8weeks, conducted 2-3 sessions per week, with sessions lasting 20-90min and including 29-190 jumps. In the systematic review, most studies showed that PT significantly improved performance in countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), Sargent jump, standing long jump, lateral hop, medicine ball throw, t-Test, Illinois agility, lane agility drill, linear 20-m sprint, stable and dynamic leg balance, dribbling, passing, shooting, and various basketball-specific tests, as well as increased muscle volume and thigh cross-sectional area. However, some studies showed PT to induce no significant changes in performance during CMJ, t-Test, Illinois agility, knee extensor/flexor strength, linear sprint, and single leg balance tests. In the meta-analysis, CMJ height (ES = 0.37; p = 0.036), vertical jump (VJ) peak power (ES = 0.57; p = 0.015), VJ peak velocity (ES = 0.26; p = 0.004), and t-Test performance time (ES = 0.32; p = 0.004) were significantly improved with small effects following PT. The effect of PT on performance in female basketball players was mixed. Most studies indicated that PT could improve various measures of physical fitness and skill-related performance, but performance remained unchanged in some tests. More studies with established tests are needed to investigate the effect of PT on female basketball players in the future. https://inplasy.com/, Identifier INPLASY2023120078.

Maturation-specific enhancements in lower extremity explosive strength following plyometric training in adolescent soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFor adolescent soccer players, good sprinting and jumping abilities are crucial for their athletic performance. The application of plyometric training on boosting explosive strength in adolescent soccer players is contingent upon the maturation phase, which can mediate the training-induced adaptations. PurposeThis systematic review and meta-analysis aim to explore the maturation effect of plyometric training on the lower limb explosive power of adolescent soccer players, with vertical countermovement jump (CMJ) and 20-m sprint as the main outcome indicators. MethodsAn extensive search of the literature was carried out on various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), covering the time period from the establishment of each database to February 6, 2023. The search was conducted using English keywords such as ‘Plyometric,’ ‘Adolescent,’ ‘football,’ and ‘Explosive strength.’ This study utilized the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool to conduct a standardized quality evaluation of all the included literature. Additionally, the Review Manager 5.4 software was employed to perform data analysis on all the extracted data. ResultsA total of 17 studies involving 681 adolescent soccer players aged 10 to 19 were included. Plyometric training significantly improved CMJ performance across different maturation stages, especially in the post-peak height velocity stage (POST-PHV) [MD = 4.35, 95 % CI (2.11, 6.59), P < 0.01, I2 = 60 %]. The pre-peak height velocity stage (PRE-PHV) showed the next best improvement [MD = 3.00, 95 % CI (1.63, 4.37)], while the middle-peak height velocity stage (MID-PHV) showed the least improvement [MD = 2.79, 95 % CI (1.16, 4.41), P < 0.01, I2 = 49 %]. However, improvements in 20 m sprint ability were only observed in the PRE-PHV [MD = −0.06, 95 % CI (−0.12, 0), P < 0.01, I2 = 0 %] and MID-PHV [MD = −0.18, 95 % CI (−0.27, −0.08), P < 0.01, I2 = 0 %] stages. ConclusionPlyometric training serves as a potent strategy for boosting the lower limb explosive strength of adolescent soccer players, and the training effect is closely related to the players' biological maturity. Considering biological maturity is a key aspect that this study deems essential for the formulation of effective training programs for these adolescent players.

The Effect of Plyometric Training Program on Increasing Vertical Jump Ability in Volleyball Players

Purpose – This study aims to examine in depth the effect of plyometric training programs on improving vertical jumping ability in volleyball players. Design/methodology/approach – The research approach used in this study is a quantitative approach This type of research is a quasi-experimental, This research method involves a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The population in this study is all high school level volleyball athletes in Bekasi city. Sample of 30 students. The data collection techniques used include vertical jump ability The data analysis techniques used are descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Findings – This study proves that a plyometric training program significantly improves vertical jumping ability in high school level volleyball athletes in Bekasi city. The experimental group who underwent plyometric training showed a significantly greater increase in vertical jump height compared to the control group who underwent conventional training. These findings support the theories of muscle adaptation and the stretch-approach cycle, and are consistent with previous research showing the effectiveness of plyometric training in improving athletic performance. Limitasi/Novelty- Although this study has limitations, such as the small sample size and short duration of the intervention, the results provide strong empirical evidence that plyometric exercises can be an important component in volleyball training programs to optimize vertical jump performance.

Effects of plyometric training on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Plyometric training (PT) is an effective training method for improving physical fitness among trained individuals; however, its impact on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants remains ambiguous. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness among untrained participants. Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched until March 2024. We included controlled trials that examined the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness indices in untrained participants. Twenty-one studies were eligible, including a total of 1263 participants. Our analyses revealed small to moderate effects of PT on body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility (ES = 0.27–0.61; all p > 0.05). However, no significant effects were detected for body fat percentage and lean mass (ES = 0.21–0.41; all p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings suggest that PT may be potentially effective in improving health-related physical fitness indices (i.e., body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility) in untrained participants. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to data limitations in some fitness variables.

Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players

Effects of plyometric training on heading jump performance and motion in collegiate soccer players

Effect of Plyometric Training on Vertical Jump Performance in Tennis Athletes

Effect of Plyometric Training on Vertical Jump Performance in Tennis Athletes

The Effects of Plyometric Training on Agility

The purpose of the study was to evaluate how football players' agility performance was affected by a 4-week plyometric training programme. at the school level. The study included 12 football players of GHSS Ramak Dera Ismail Khan, KP, Pakistan, aged between 15 to 18 years old, who followed the same twice- weekly workout schedule for a total of 8 sessions. The study was conducted using the one-group pre-posttest model of the experimental method. The Illinois Agility test was taken from each individual before the beginning of the training session and then following it. The findings revealed a noteworthy improvement in agility performance after the plyometric training program (t=5.32, p=0.001). This suggests that Plyometric training might be a useful method for enhancing agility in male football players, and can also be beneficial when performed for only 4 weeks. The study's findings can help coaches and trainers to improve the performance of their players.

Effects of Plyometric Training on Physical Fitness Attributes in Handball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of plyometric training on physical fitness attributes in handball players. A systematic literature search across PubMed, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science identified 20 studies with 563 players. Plyometric training showed significant medium-to-large effects on various attributes: countermovement jump with arms (ES = 1.84), countermovement jump (ES = 1.33), squat jump (ES = 1.17), and horizontal jump (ES = 0.83), ≤ 10-m linear sprint time (ES = -1.12), > 10-m linear sprint time (ES = -1.46), repeated sprint ability with change-of-direction time (ES = -1.53), agility (ES = -1.60), maximal strength (ES = 0.52), and force-velocity (muscle power) (ES = 1.13). No significant impact on balance was found. Subgroup analysis indicated more pronounced agility improvements in players ≤ 66.6 kg compared to > 66.6 kg (ES = -1.93 vs. -0.23, p = 0.014). Additionally, greater improvements were observed in linear sprint and repeat sprint ability when comparing training durations of > 8 weeks with those ≤ 8 weeks (ES = -2.30 to -2.89 vs. ES = -0.92 to -0.97). In conclusion, plyometric training effectively improves various physical fitness attributes, including jump performance, linear sprint ability, maximal strength, muscle power and agility.