The Effects of Vertical vs. Horizontal plyometric Training on Sprinting Kinetics in Post Peak Height Female Student Athletes

Plyometric training is a form of jump training that is a useful method to improve sprinting speed due to its propensity to improve neural efficiency, increase joint stiffness and contraction speed. While research has shown that plyometrics can improve jumping and sprinting performance, no studies have compared the effects of different types of plyometric training on sprinting speed in young females. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare different forms of plyometric training (horizontal and vertical) on sprinting performance in young females. Thirty young females from a private girls college were randomly divided into two groups and trained for seven weeks, twice a week; vertical plyometric (n=11, age 13.50 ± 0.96, peak heigh velocity-PHV: 1.60 ± 1.14), horizontal plyometric training (n=10, 13.40 ± 0.92, PHV:1.60 ± 0.93), and a physical education class as a control (n=15, age, 15.60 ± 0.31, PHV: 2.90 ± 0.55). Participants were tested for sprinting kinetics i.e. force (Fo), maximum power (Pmax), theoretical velocity (Vo), maximal velocity (Vmax), 10, 20 and 30 m split times using a radar gun over 30 m, isometric strength, vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance before and after the intervention. Both the intervention groups significantly improved all performance variables (g= 0.32- 1.30; p<0.05). The vertical group improved all kinetic variables except Fo and Pmax whereas the horizontal group improved all kinetic variables with a greater effect size g= 0.40-1.30. In comparison to the control group, the vertical group significantly improved Vo, Vmax, vertical and broad jump scores whereas the horizontal group significantly improved broad jump and 20 m split time scores (p<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that horizontal plyometric training is more effective in improving sprinting kinetics.

Velocity-Based Resistance Training on 1-RM, Jump and Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials

Weight resistance training (RT) has been shown to positively influence physical performance. Within the last two decades, a methodology based on monitoring RT through movement velocity (also called velocity-based resistance training, VBRT) has emerged. The aim of this PRISMA-based systematic review was to evaluate the effect of VBRT programs on variables related to muscle strength (one-repetition maximum, 1-RM), and high-speed actions (vertical jump, and sprint performance) in trained subjects. The search for published articles was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORT Discus/EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases using Boolean algorithms independently. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review (a low-to-moderate overall risk of bias of the analyzed studies was detected). VBRT is an effective method to improve 1-RM, vertical jump and sprint. According to the results of the analyzed studies, it is not necessary to reach high muscle failure in order to achieve the best training results. These findings reinforce the fact that it is possible to optimize exercise adaptations with less fatigue. Future studies should corroborate these findings in female population.

Patellar Tendon Force Differs Depending on Jump-Landing Tasks and Estimation Methods

Patellar tendinopathy is a chronic overuse injury of the patellar tendon which is prevalent in jump-landing activities. Sports activities can require jumping not only with a vertical component but also in a forward direction. It is yet unknown how jumping in the forward direction may affect patellar tendon forces. The main purpose of this study was to compare PTF between landings preceded by a vertical jump and a forward jump in volleyball players. The second purpose was to compare two different estimation methods of the patellar tendon force. Fifteen male volleyball players performed vertical and forward jump-landing tasks at a controlled jump height, while kinetics and kinematics were recorded. Patellar tendon forces were calculated through two estimation methods based on inverse dynamic and static optimization procedures, using a musculoskeletal model. Results showed that forward jump-landing generated higher patellar tendon forces compared to vertical jump-landing for both estimation methods. Surprisingly, although the static optimization method considered muscle co-contraction, the inverse kinematic method provided statistically significant higher patellar tendon force values. These findings highlight that limiting the forward velocity component of the aerial phase appears to reduce the load on the patellar tendon during landing and may help to prevent patellar tendinopathy.

Postactivation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) Increases Vertical Jump in Elite Female Volleyball Players

The purpose of this study was to verify if a conditioning activity was effective to elicit postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) and to increase the performance in vertical jump (VJ) in elite female volleyball players. Eleven national Superliga-2 volleyball players (22.6 ± 3.5 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental and control group. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) were performed on eight occasions: before (Pre-PAPE) and after activation (Post-PAPE), after the match (Pre-Match), and after each of the five-match sets (Set 1 to 5). ANOVA showed significantly increased jump performance for the experiment between baseline (Pre-PAPE) and all the following tests: +1.3 cm (Post-PAPE), +3.0 cm (Pre-Match), +4.8 cm (Set 1), +7.3 cm (Set 2), +5.1 cm (Set 3), +3.6 cm (Set 4), and +4.0 cm (Set 5), all showing medium to large effect size (0.7 < ES < 2.4). The performance of the control group did not show significant increases until Set 3 (+3.2 cm) and Set 5 (+2.9 cm), although jump heights were always lower for the control group than the experimental. The use of conditioning activity generates increased VJ performance in Post-PAPE tests and elicited larger PAPE effects that remain until the second set of a volleyball match.

Physical Skills in Male Volleyball Players 14-18 Years Old

During the monitoring of volleyball teams in Albania during training, it was noticed that coaches pay more attention to technical elements and not to physical abilities to ages 14-18 years. The aim of this study was to find out the trend of improvement and differences with the age on physical abilities of male’s volleyball players in Albania. Methods: Participants in this study were N=43 volleyball players from two age categories; N=21, cadet (14-16 yrs.), N= 22 and junior (16-18 yrs.) Measurement for anthropometrics (body weight, body height) and physical abilities (push up test, curl-up test, standing long jump and vertical jump test) were assessed. Results: Analysis between two age categories shows significant differences. Showed results for anthropometrics and also for physical abilities showed differences between groups of volleyball players. Data of this study for jumping performance using vertical jump CMJ test between groups for cadet vs. junior data show (mean difference= 21.3 cm; Sig= 0.004) while for vertical jump Run up test between groups for cadet vs. junior data show (mean difference= 22.3 cm; Sig= 0.003). Conclusion: In the best interest of the study, it would be good if other teams were involved from different cities of Albania. Suggestions for other studies we recommend in comparing data by positions in the field. Trainers should plan training with these age groups different coordination programs not only technical. This study has limitations with regards to the sampling number of male volleyball players, which is justified for not having sufficient funds.

Effects of age and sex on association between toe muscular strength and vertical jump performance in adolescent populations

Toe muscular strength plays an important role in enhancing athletic performance because the forefoot is the only part of the body touching the ground. In general, muscular strength increases with age throughout adolescence, and sex-related difference in muscular strength becomes evident during childhood and adolescence. However, toe muscular strength is known to be levelled off after late adolescence in both sexes. For adolescent populations, therefore, the association of toe muscular strength with physical performance might differ with age and/or sex. This study aimed to investigate differences in relationships between toe muscular strength and vertical jump performance across sex and age in adolescent populations. The maximum isometric strength of the toe muscles and vertical jump height (VJ) were assessed in 479 junior high school students (JH) aged 12–14 years (243 boys and 236 girls) and 465 high school students (HS) aged 15–18 years (265 boys and 200 girls). Two types of measurements were performed to evaluate the toe muscular strength: toe gripping strength (TGS) with the metatarsophalangeal joint in the plantar flexed position and toe push strength (TPS) with the metatarsophalangeal joint in the dorsiflexed position. TGS and TPS were normalized to body weight. Two-way ANOVA showed that TGS had significant main effects of sex (boys > girls) and age (HS > JH) while TPS only had a significant main effect of sex (boys > girls). When the effects of sex and age were separately analyzed, VJ was significantly correlated with TGS in JH girls, HS girls, and JH boys (r = 0.253–0.269, p < 0.05), but not in HS boys (r = 0.062, p = 0.3351). These results suggest that toe muscular strength is relatively weakly associated with vertical jump performance in adolescent boys and girls, but the association would not be established in high school boys.

Anthropometry and Physical Condition Profile of Bhayangkara FC Professional Football Athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anthropometry and physical condition profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes. The research was conducted by survey. The research sample amounted to 19 athletes. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and leg length as well as physical condition tests including 30 meter sprint, illinois, sit and reach, vertical jump, Yo Yo Fitness test. The data were analyzed by T-score and then categorized on a scale of very good to very poor. The results showed that the anthropometric profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes were mostly in the moderate category (8 athletes/42.11%), while the others were in the poor category (5 athletes/26.32%), good (3 athletes/15.79%), good once (2 athletes/10.53 %), and less than once (1 athlete 5.26 %). The study also showed that the physical condition profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes were mostly in the moderate category (10 athletes/52.63%), while the others were in the good category (4 athletes/21.05%), less (3 athletes/15.79%), very good (1 athlete/5.26 %), and very poor (1 athlete/5.26 %). In conclusion, the mean anthropometric profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes showed a moderate category and the mean physical condition profile of Bhayangkara FC professional football athletes showed a moderate category.

Mechanical role of Arm Swing on Vertical Jump Performance

Introduction: Advanced technology has allowed biomechanists to gather very accurate measurements of many of the parameters associated with human movement. In sports, vertical jump is very important factors. It is an effective exercise for building both endurance and explosive power and through the vertical jump performance the players take advantage in sports. So here, the present study was to analyze the Mechanical role of arm swing on vertical jump performance. Objective: 1. To know the mechanical role of arm swing and without arm swing on vertical jump performance of university level players of Jadavpur University, West Bengal, India. 2. To know the effect of power on arm swing and without arm swing of vertical jump performance of the university level players of Jadavpur University, West Bengal, India. 3. To find out the relationship between power and arm swing of vertical jump performance of the university level players of Jadavpur University, West Bengal, India. Methodology: 4 Volleyball (20.29±1.38 years, 179±4.54cm and 67±4.34kg), 4 Basketball (23.43±2.57years, 170.57±3.15cm and 62.13±7.58kg) and 4 High Jump (21.75±.95 years, 170.37±3.15cm and 64.75±2.21kg) university (Jadavpur university) level players were selected randomly as the subjects. Results: The result of study revealed that there were significant differences (t-4.17*) between arm swing (56.67±4.86cm) and without arm swing (43.21±4.23) vertical jump performance of high jump players and vertical jump performance of the volleyball and basketball players were found no significant difference but positive effect showed. Also the results showed that in power (ground reaction force) there were no significant differences found between arm swing and without arm swing of the university level players. There were also positive relationship found in Volleyball (r-0.61), Basketball (r- 0.89) and High jump (r- 0.84) University level players between power and arm swing vertical jump performance. Conclusion: Arm swing positively effect on the vertical jump performance for Volleyball, Basketball and High Jump players. Arm swing also positively effect on increased the power which in turn help to increased the jumping height of Volleyball, Basketball and High Jump players. It also concluded that there is positive relationship between power and with arm swing in vertical jump performance.