Changes in Rowing Ergometer, Weight Lifting, Vertical Jump and Isokinetic Performance in Response to Standard and Standard Plus Plyometric Training Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare standard (S-weight plus rowing ergometer training) and standard plus plyometric (S+P-weight plus rowing ergometer training, plus plyometric exercises) programs on sport-specific and non sport-specific tests. Twenty-four female rowers completed the weight training or the weight training plus plyometric exercises three times per week and rowing ergometer training four times per week, 1 hr per session for 9 wks. Analysis of variance tests were used to compare S (n = 11; 5 novice and 6 experienced rowers) and S+P (n = 13; 7 novice and 6 experienced rowers) programs on the following sport-specific tests: 1) time to row 2,500 m and 2) distance rowed in 90 s; and on the following non sport-specific tests: 1) leg press, 1 RM, 2) leg press endurance, 3) bench pull 1 RM, 4) bench pull endurance, 5) vertical jump, 6-9) isokinetic knee extensor peak and average power during concentric and eccentric muscle actions and 10) angle of occurrence of peak torque during concentric muscle actions (isokinetic knee extension). Although experienced oarswomen scored significantly higher than did novice oarswomen on eight of 12 tests (p < 0.04), both levels of rower responded similarly to training. No significant differences were observed post-training between the S and S+P training programs (p > 0.05). These results do not discount the value of plyometric exercises, but indicate that the jump exercises used offered no advantages to intercollegiate oarswomen.

Training Effects of Amortization Phase With Eccentric/Concentric Variations - The Vertical Jump

“…As it has been demonstrated in other researches [3,4,9,10], Ecc training seems to provide a greater specific stimulus for the strength and training to be increased, more so than the Con training and Con strength alone. However, when the combinations of both movements are working towards the same result, and the amortization phase is at its minimal, the performance of the jump is better than when the two movements are separated [1,2,8,17]. For example, by taking advantage of stored elastic energy and the stretch reflex, the muscle is able to perform more work in the concentric phase.…”

“…Training when the two movements of Con/Ecc are together, compared to training with Con muscle actions when testing was performed with Con or Ecc, resulted in a greater power according to some researchers [3,4,13], compared to others who believe the results have the same power [13,6] no matter the variation of the movements. For instance, the exercises that consist of Ecc/Con contractions emphasise the loading of muscles during an eccentric muscle contraction in an effort to enhance performance during a subsequent concentric contraction [8]. The combination of eccentric and concentric training involves the Training Effects of Amortization Phase With Eccentric/Concentric Variations ± The Vertical Jump union between strength and speed using muscular contractions that are characterised by quick stretch shortened cycle movements (SSC) [7].…”

Comparison of Dynamic Push-Up Training and Plyometric Push-Up Training on Upper-Body Power and Strength

“…Plyometric exercises have been added to a typical training program, such as weight training or team practices, and then compared with the typical program (2,3,8,10,11,13,(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). Alternately, a distinct plyometric program has been compared with a distinct nonplyometric program (1,4,14,22).…”

Ergometer Sprint Performance and Recovery with Variations in Training Load in Elite Rowers

“…Improvements of approximately 7 % in average power during a maximal 2 min test over 8 months of a rowing season, inclusive of a 2-week period of intensified training, have been measured in elite female rowers [33]. In addition, a 4 % improvement in the maximal distance rowed in 90 s following 9 weeks of training has also been shown in novice and experienced rowers [16]. Thus, changes in performance with variations in training load over longer periods of time have been small, yet detectable.…”