Neuromuscular and Bounce Drop-Jump Responses to Different Inter-Repetition Rest Intervals during A Composite Training Session in Hurling Players

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to a) compare a 4-min to an 8-min rest interval between composite training (jump-sprint combination) repetitions in a single session to allow for the recovery of neuromuscular and bounce drop-jump (BDJ) performance and b) investigate if super compensation would occur after 168hrs of rest. Twelve players were randomly assigned to either a 4-min or an 8-min rest interval group. Participants first completed a BDJ test to identify individual BDJ drop heights followed by a 20m sprint test. Seventy-two hours later, a composite training session of two repetitions (three BDJs followed by a 20m sprint after a 15s rest) with either a 4-min or an 8-min rest interval was performed. A three repetition maximum (3RM) back squat strength test, a BDJ, countermovement jump (CMJ) and a sprint performance test were completed 10-mins pre- and immediately post-session, and 168 hrs post-session. CMJ force (8-min group) and BDJ (height and reactive strength index (RSI)) measures decreased significantly post-session (4-min and 8-min groups; P ≤ 0.05). Pre-session to 168 hrs post-session, relative 3RM back squat strength and 20m sprint performance increased significantly for the 4-min group only (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, a 4-min composite training inter-repetition rest interval leads to a significant decline in BDJ measures (RSI and jump height) which may act as fatigue markers for monitoring. However, 4-mins provides sufficient recovery during the session which, in conjunction with 168 hrs of recovery, causes super compensation in neuromuscular performance in hurling players.

Acute Effects of “Composite” Training on Neuromuscular and Fast Stretch-Shortening Cycle Drop Jump Performance in Hurling Players

“…Maximum strength responses are comparable between the current study and our previous work, from pre-to post-session and post-session to post 7-days despite the difference in repetition volume (8). However, comparing maximum strength changes in the lower limb to other studies is challenging, as to the best of our knowledge, the current study and our previous work (8) In the current study, all BDJ measures (RSI: 10.16%; BDJ height: 14.0% and GCT: 4.8%) displayed non-significant decreases pre-to post-session which are comparable to our previous work, however, BDJ height displayed a significant pre-to post-session decrease (4-min = 14.5%) (8). Both of our studies show greater declines than that previously reported where DJ height decreased in excess of 8.7% after 8-mins post-100 DJs in untrained males (33).…”

“…When focusing on a rest period of 7-days, two studies have measured plyometric and 'composite' training responses (8,20). One of the studies reported a significant improvement in relative maximum 3RM strength and 20m sprint performance from pre-to post 7-days (8).…”

“…When focusing on a rest period of 7-days, two studies have measured plyometric and 'composite' training responses (8,20). One of the studies reported a significant improvement in relative maximum 3RM strength and 20m sprint performance from pre-to post 7-days (8). Nonetheless, Highton et al (20) reported sprint acceleration and peak torque scores at 7-days post-session to be similar to pre-session scores.…”

Short-Term Effects of “Composite” Training on Strength, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Hurling Players

“…Despite a lack of research into combining BDJs with a sprint to improve strength and power qualities in hurling athletes over a short-term period, acute studies have shown the effectiveness of a reduced volume of BDJs in conjunction with brief recovery on jump and sprint performance (8,14). Furthermore, two studies examining the acute response to a single 'composite' session have shown that 20 m sprint performance and relative maximum strength (9) and maximum strength (absolute and relative) (10) were significantly enhanced following 7-days of recovery post-session. Thus, the effectiveness of combining BDJs with a sprint requires investigation over a short-term period, which led to the development of a novel term, 'composite' training (COMP).…”

“…COMP training can be defined as the combination of a plyometric exercise with an explosive activity such as a sprint run, performed as a 'combined repetition' / session (9). This form of training is underpinned by post activation potentiation (PAP), which is a phenomenon where acute muscle performance is enhanced because of the muscles' contractile history (35).…”