Effects of Plyometric Training on Endurance and Explosive Strength Performance in Competitive Middle- and Long-Distance Runners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a short-term plyometric training program on explosive strength and endurance performance in highly competitive middle- and long-distance runners. Athletes were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 18, 12 men) and an explosive strength training group (TG, n = 18, 10 men). Drop jump (DJ) from 20 (DJ20) and 40 cm (DJ40), countermovement jump with arms (CMJA), 20-m sprint time, and 2.4-km endurance run time test were carried out before and after 6 weeks of explosive strength training. Also, the combined standardized performance (CSP) in the endurance and explosive strength test was analyzed. After intervention, the CG did not show any significant change in performance, whereas the TG showed a significant reduction in 2.4-km endurance run time (-3.9%) and 20-m sprint time (-2.3%) and an increase in CMJA (+8.9%), DJ20 (+12.7%), and DJ40 (16.7%) explosive performance. Strength training group also exhibited a significant increase in CSP, although the CG showed significant reduction. We conclude that properly programmed concurrent explosive strength and endurance training could be advantageous for middle- and long-distance runners in their competitive performance, especially in events characterized by sprinting actions with small time differences at the end of the race.

Modeling in Football Training: The Effect of Two Methods of Training Based on Small Sided Games and Repeated Sprints on Mood and Physical Performance among Footballers

“…This parameter is significantly correlated with the distance covered per game (Haugen et al, 2014). The efficacy of repeated sprints is also reflected in the reduction of energy costs, which leads us to talk about the running economy that has a proportional relationship with the VO2max and the anaerobic threshold (Gist et al, 2014) and these parameters are important factor for endurance (Ramírez-Campillo et al, 2014;Macpherson et al, 2015). Improving aerobic performance is proportional to the total distance game with a doubling of number of sprints during competition .…”

Análise biomecânica da fase de contato no salto em profundidade no solo e na água

“…One of the methods used for training jumps is plyometric training, which is the use of exercises that enhance the use of muscle stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) by conducting an intense eccentric action immediately followed by a rapid concentric action 1 . Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of plyometric training for the improvement of performance variables such as agility 2 , speed 3 , power and height of vertical jumps 4 , strength and explosive power of the lower limbs 5 . Plyometric training sessions use different types of jumps such as drop jumps, sequential jumps, unilateral jumps, jumps over obstacles, side jumps, among others.…”

Comparing the Effects of Plyometric Training with and without Vessel Occlusion on Electromyographic Parameters

“…Most studies describe plyometric training as containing activities like jumping, hopping, ball-throwing, skipping, obstacle jumps, while according to other studies, it comprises resistance activities, a harmony of the leg with other limbs, speed skills, speed sports, throwing, power, and balance [4]. As a result, a good way to improve plyometric training is to use resistance training [5].…”