Comparison of Combined Sprint-Plyometric Training Versus Traditional Strength Training on Speed, Agility, Power, and Movement Quality in Intermediate Rugby Players

Ibadat International University, Islamabad64 enrolled

Overview

Comparison of Combined Sprint-Plyometric Training Versus Traditional Strength Training on Speed, Agility, Power, and Movement Quality in Intermediate Rugby Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial compares combined sprint-plyometric training (Group A) versus traditional strength training (Group B) in 64 intermediate-level rugby players (aged 18-25 years). Both interventions are delivered over 8 weeks at 2 sessions per week. Primary and secondary outcomes include speed (40 m and 80 m sprint via electronic timing gates), agility (T-Test), lower-body explosive power (Standing Long Jump), and movement quality (Functional Movement Screen), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Randomization is performed via computer-generated sequence.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Athletic Performance Neuromuscular Training

Interventions

Combined Sprint-Plyometric TrainingOTHER

Participants perform progressive sprint (10-100 m) and plyometric exercises (squat jumps, box jumps, single-leg hops, depth jumps) over 8 weeks. Frequency: 2 sessions/week, 45-60 min/session. Rest between sets: 3 minutes. Rest between sessions: 48-72 hours. Volume and distance progress across 4 two-week blocks

Traditional Strength Training GroupOTHER

Participants perform lower-body resistance exercises (barbell squat, leg press, lunges, Romanian deadlift, leg curl, leg extension) at 60-80% 1RM over 8 weeks. Frequency: 2 sessions/week, 45-60 min/session. Rest between sets: 1.5-3 minutes. Load progressively increased across 4 two-week blocks.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male and female athletes aged 18-25 years 2. A minimum of 2 years of structured rugby training experience 3. Actively training at least 3 hours per week 4. Medically cleared to engage in high-intensity physical activity 5. Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of moderate or severe musculoskeletal injuries or surgery within the past 6-12 months 2. Not medically approved to engage in high-intensity physical activities 3. Cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary disease or risk factors that contraindicate high-intensity training 4. Participation in any additional structured strength or plyometric program outside the study protocol during the intervention period

Locations (1)

Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)

Islamabad, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Sprint Speed - Electronic Timing Gates (40 m and 80 m)

Sprint time measured in seconds over 40 m and 80 m distances using electronic timing gates. Very high criterion validity (r ≈ 0.95-0.99) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC ≈ 0.90-0.99)

Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Secondary Outcomes

Agility - T-Test

Time (seconds) to complete the standard agility T-Test course assessing change-of-direction speed. High construct and criterion validity (r ≈ 0.80-0.96); high test-retest reliability (ICC ≈ 0.88-0.98)

Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Lower-Body Explosive Power - Standing Long Jump Test

Distance (cm) achieved in the standing long jump as a measure of lower-body explosive power. Strong concurrent validity with force-plate measures (r ≈ 0.76-0.91); excellent reliability (ICC ≈ 0.97-0.99)

Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Movement Quality - Functional Movement Screen (FMS)

Composite FMS score (0-21) assessing fundamental movement quality across 7 movement patterns. Moderate to good construct validity (r ≈ 0.60-0.85); moderate to excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC ≈ 0.74-0.98)

Time frame: Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8)

Central Contacts

Munazza Ahmed, MS Sports Physical Therapy

CONTACT

+923295048527 munazzaahmed39@gmail.com

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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