Methodological considerations for determining the volume and intensity of drop jump training. A systematic, critical and prepositive review

Abstract

This systematic review provides critical and propositional information on criteria for determining the volume and intensity of drop jumps during plyometric training programs. Eligibility criteria were defined according to PICOS: Participants: male or female athletes, trained or recreationally active (16–40 years). Intervention duration: more than 4 weeks. Comparators: passive or active control group during a plyometric training program. Outcomes: information on improvement with Drop Jump or Depth Jump, with other jumps, acceleration, sprint, strength, and power output. Design: randomized controlled trials. We searched articles published in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search was conducted until 10 September 2022 for English-language articles only. The risk of bias was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) for randomized controlled studies. We identified 31495 studies, of which only 22 were included. We found that six groups presented results with women, 15 presented results with men, and the remaining four presented mixed studies. Of the 686 people recruited, 329 participants aged 25.79 ± 4.76 years were involved in training. Methodological problems in training intensity, volume distribution, and individualization were noted, but methodological recommendations for their solution are also provided. It is concluded that the drop height should not be understood as the intensity determinant of plyometric training. Intensity is determined by ground reaction forces, power output, and jump height, among other factors. Furthermore, the athletes’ experience level selection should be based on the formulas recommended within this research. These results could be helpful for those who intend to conduct new plyometric training programs and research.

Spatiotemporal variables comparison between drop jump and horizontal drop jump in elite jumpers and sprinters

“…Subjects had participated in World (9/16) and European or Pan-American (16/16) championships. All had higher experience in performing plyometric exercises ( Montoro-Bombú et al, 2023 ) and following previous recommendations, they abstained from plyometric or strength training in the 3 days prior to the assessment ( Ball & Zanetti, 2012 ). They had no history of injuries within the 3 months preceding the measurements nor did they report any orthopedic disorders and medical contraindications to avoid plyometric training.…”

Plyometric training programs in handball

“…Although not the main objective of their study, Montoro-Bombú et al (2023) made some notable observations and recommendations regarding the effects of different surfaces on plyometric training. According to the authors Montoro-Bombú et al (2023), soft surfaces are more appropriate for maximal dynamic strength production and can be used during the plyometric preparation or general preparation phases of an athlete. Additionally, soft surfaces are beneficial during the first developmental phase of sprint acceleration and can be used for a wide variety of jumps in the general preparation of top athletes.…”

“…However, the authors acknowledge that evaluating all these parameters may be difficult in a team context or in situations where certain measures cannot be obtained. We recommend the reading of Montoro-Bombú et al (2023) for more information about PT intensity and for recommendations regarding the implementation of PT programs.…”

“…The recent study by Montoro-Bombú et al (2023) provided great advancements regarding the concern raised by Ramirez-Campillo et al (2021a) about the lack of adequate markers for intensity in plyometric exercises, citing power output, reactive strength, rate of force development (RFD), ground reaction forces, stiffness, and reactive jump height as some markers to take into account while measuring PT intensity. However, Montoro-Bombú et al (2023) recognized that it is difficult to evaluate these parameters in a team sport context or in an environment where there are no financial resources to acquire the necessary equipment to obtain those parameters. Given that, sports scientists should strive to find ways to better evaluate plyometric intensity in these contexts, despite all the limitations and difficulties that it might entail.…”

“…Intensity guidance: Coaches should heed the intensity recommendations outlined by Montoro-Bombú et al (2023) when designing their plyometric exercises. This involves carefully considering optimal parameters for maximum power output, reactive strength, rate of force development (RFD), ground reaction forces, stiffness, and reactive jump height.…”