This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of elastic band-resisted plyometric training (EBPT) on jump performance in young male soccer players. Thirty-three youth soccer players aged 14-15 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups: elastic band-resisted plyometric training (EBPT, n=10), traditional plyometric training (PLT, n=11), or control (CON, n=12). Both training groups completed a 6-week intervention consisting of 2 sessions per week with 120-230 foot contacts per session. The primary outcome was countermovement jump without arm swing (CMJ-NS) height. Secondary outcomes included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ-AS), single-leg vertical jumps for dominant (SVJ-D) and non-dominant (SVJ-ND) legs, take-off velocity, and peak power. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention. The study aimed to determine whether adding elastic band resistance to plyometric exercises provides superior training adaptations compared to traditional plyometric training for enhancing lower-limb explosive power in young athletes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
Participants performed plyometric exercises (squat jumps, countermovement jumps, drop jumps, and single-leg jumps) with elastic band resistance providing additional load during the concentric phase. Training was conducted twice weekly for 6 weeks, with 120-230 foot contacts per session.
Participants performed the same plyometric exercises (squat jumps, countermovement jumps, drop jumps, and single-leg jumps) without elastic band resistance. Training was conducted twice weekly for 6 weeks, with 120-230 foot contacts per session.
Participants continued their routine soccer training program without any additional plyometric exercises during the 6-week study period.
Guzeltepe sport club facility
Izmir, Guzeltepe, Turkey (Türkiye)
Countermovement Jump Without Arm Swing (CMJ-NS) Height
Vertical jump height measured during countermovement jump without arm swing, assessed using a portable force platform.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)
Squat Jump (SJ) Height
Vertical jump height measured during squat jump using a portable force platform.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Countermovement Jump With Arm Swing (CMJ-AS) Height
Vertical jump height measured during countermovement jump with arm swing using a portable force platform.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Single-Leg Vertical Jump - Dominant Leg (SVJ-D) Height
Vertical jump height measured during single-leg jump from the dominant leg using a portable force platform.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Single-Leg Vertical Jump - Non-Dominant Leg (SVJ-ND) Height
Vertical jump height measured during single-leg jump from the non-dominant leg using a portable force platform.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
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