Effect of Plyometric Training on Handspring Vault Performance and Functional Power in Youth Female Gymnasts

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of plyometric training (PT) when added to habitual gymnastic training (HT) on handspring vault (HV) performance variables. Twenty youth female competitive gymnasts (Age: 12.5 ± 1.67 y) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to two independent groups. The experimental plyometric training group (PTG) undertook a six-week plyometric program, involving two additional 45 min PT sessions a week, alongside their HT, while the control group (CG) performed regular HT only. Videography was used (120 Hz) in the sagittal plane to record both groups performing three HVs for both the baseline and post-intervention trials. Furthermore, participants completed a countermovement jump test (CMJ) to assess the effect of PT on functional power. Through the use of Quintic biomechanics software, significant improvements (P < 0.05) were found for the PTG for run-up velocity, take-off velocity, hurdle to board distance, board contact time, table contact time and post-flight time and CMJ height. However, there were no significant improvements on pre-flight time, shoulder angle or hip angle on the vault for the PTG. The CG demonstrated no improvement for all HV measures. A sport-specific PT intervention improved handspring vault performance measures and functional power when added to the habitual training of youth female gymnasts. The additional two hours plyometric training seemingly improved the power generating capacity of movement-specific musculature, which consequently improved aspects of vaulting performance. Future research is required to examine the whether the improvements are as a consequence of the additional volume of sprinting and jumping activities, as a result of the specific PT method or a combination of these factors.

Effectiveness of Traditional Strength vs. Power Training on Muscle Strength, Power and Speed with Youth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“… %Δ, percent change from pre-test to post-test; BPT, balance training before plyometric training; BW, bodyweight; cm, centimeter; CMJ, counter movement jump; DJ, drop jump; Dom, dominant; Ex, exercises; FP, frontal plane; Freq, frequency; GCOM, combined resistance training and endurance; GR, resistance training alone; Int, intensity; IPT, plyometric training on unstable surface; Isok, isokinetic; Isom, isometric; kg, kilogram; m, meter; Mod, moderate; MVIC, maximal voluntary isometric contraction; N, number of participants; Nm, newton meter; NonDom, non-dominant; NPPT, no plyometric training; PBT, plyometric training before balance training; PE, physical education students; Pre, pre-test; PHV, peak height velocity; PL, plyometric; Post, post-test; Power, power measures; PPT, plyometric training; Reps, repetitions; RS, resisted sprinting; s, second; SD, standard deviation; SJ, squat jump; SP, sagittal plane; SPT, plyometric training on stable surface; SQ, squat; ST, Strength; Strength, strength measures; T, trained youth; Tr, training status; TRS, torso rotational strength; U, untrained youth; Wks, weeks . Additional Citations for Tables 2A,B are found in the text reference list (Hewett et al, 1996; Cossor et al, 1999; Witzke and Snow, 2000; Diallo et al, 2001; Matavulj et al, 2001; Martel et al, 2005; Szymanski et al, 2007; Meylan and Malatesta, 2009; Thomas et al, 2009; Buchheit et al, 2010; King and Cipriani, 2010; Skurvydas and Brazaitis, 2010; Skurvydas et al, 2010; Potdevin et al, 2011; Santos and Janeira, 2011; Lloyd et al, 2012; Noyes et al, 2012, 2013; Santos et al, 2012; Marques et al, 2013; Michailidis et al, 2013; Ramirez-Campillo et al, 2013, 2015a,b; Marta et al, 2014; Piazza et al, 2014; Sohnlein et al, 2014; Attene et al, 2015; Chelly et al, 2015; Pereira et al, 2015; Alves et al, 2016; Arabatzi, 2016; Borges et al, 2016; de Hoyo et al, 2016; Fernandez-Fernandez et al, 2016; Hall et al, 2016; McCormick et al, 2016; Moran et al, 2016; Rosas et al, 2016) .…”

Influencia de la pliometría basada en un Entrenamiento Intervalado de Alta Intensidad sobre la altura de salto y pico de potencia en futbolistas Sub - 17

“…En otro estudio, se evidenció, luego de ocho semanas de entrenamiento pliométrico, un aumento significativo en el CMJ y en los Pp (p < 0,05) (Ozbar et al, 2014). Si bien es cierto que los tres estudios mencionados anteriormente fueron realizados con futbolistas, existen otras investigaciones en donde se ha utilizado el método pliométrico para obtener aumento significativo en atletas velocistas, jugadoras de baloncesto, jugadores de balonmano, como también en mujeres gimnastas (Chelly et al, 2014;Hall, Bishop, & Gee, 2016;Mackala, & Fostiak, 2015;Roopchand-Martin, & Lue-Chin, 2010). En cada una de estas investigaciones, en base al método pliométrico utilizado, se ha contribuido a mejorar la h de salto y los Pp en diferentes modalidades deportivas.…”

The Physiological Demands of Youth Artistic Gymnastics: Applications to Strength and Conditioning

“…Training specificity cannot be underestimated in this sport and can be used to prepare gymnasts effectively, providing training is progressively load. However, the broader field of strength and conditioning may offer additional benefits to the physical preparation of gymnasts (32,38,68,91). Indeed, the challenge for the strength and conditioning coach working with young gymnasts is to safely provide an effective training stimulus that is different to that which they experience during their sport-specific training, yet is still relevant to their athletic development.…”