Publications
Effect of 10-Week Plyometric Training on Anaerobic Performance and Biomechanical Properties of the Muscles in Football Players: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Filip Matuszczyk 1, Robert Trybulski 1, 2, Kamil Galeziok 1, Gracjan Olaniszyn 1, Artur Terbalyan 3, Michal Wilk 3
Affiliations:
- Provita Zory Medical Center, 44-240 Zory, Poland
- Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, 40-659 Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, 40-065 Katowice, Poland
Journal: Applied Sciences - January 2025, Volume 15, Issue 3, Article no. 1451 (DOI: 10.3390/app15031451)
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Field & Applications:
- Sport
- Muscle development / Performance
This study investigated the effects of a 10-week plyometric training program on sprint performance, reactive power, and biomechanical muscle properties in soccer players.
Twenty soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 10). Both groups maintained their regular weekly training, with the experimental group performing additional plyometric sessions twice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included 5 m and 30 m sprint times, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and biomechanical properties (tension, stiffness, elasticity) of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL).
The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in 5 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.44) and 30 m (p < 0.01; ES = 1.11) sprint times and RSI (p < 0.05; ES = 0.87). No significant changes were observed in muscle tension, stiffness, or elasticity at the group level. However, correlations indicated that higher baseline elasticity in the VL was linked to greater 5 m sprint improvements, while changes in RF elasticity were negatively associated with 5 m sprint gains.
These findings suggest that plyometric training effectively enhances short-distance sprint performance and reactive power in soccer players. Although group-level biomechanical properties did not change significantly, individual variability in muscle elasticity may modulate training outcomes, supporting the integration of plyometric exercises into soccer training regimens.
Keywords: functional performance, physical activity, myotonometry, drop jump, sprint, stiffness
Our study indicated the effectiveness of implementing an additional 10-week plyometric training program for the football team in improving sprint performance and reactive strength. The program, which is performed twice a week with intervals of 36-48 h between training sessions, includes exercises such as hurdle jumps, triple jumps, and drop jumps. It is a practical training solution that enhances physical potential. No statistically significant parameter changes were observed among the experimental group regarding biomechanical measurements of muscles, tension, flexibility, and stiffness. Despite the absence of statistically significant group-level alterations in biomechanical properties, including muscle tension, stiffness, and elasticity, the findings underscore the promise of leveraging baseline muscle elasticity as a potential biomarker for predicting training adaptation. This underscores the significance of personalized training regimens in optimizing athletic performance.