The contribution of plyometric exercises assisted by sensory technology on vertical jump parameters in U15 female volleyball players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Volleyball requires high vertical jump skills for crucial actions like attacking and blocking, making jump training a focus for players, especially in youth categories. The main goal of the study was to highlight (with some specific data) the strengths and weaknesses of integrating sensory technology into the physical training program, during the entire competitive period. Material and Methods. The study included both an experimental and a control group, each consisting of 16 female athletes from the volleyball section of the Cetate Sports High School in Deva. During the competitive season of 2022/2023, both groups underwent daily training sessions from Monday to Saturday, totaling 120 minutes per day. The BlazePod Flash Reflex Training system was employed in this research. It integrates cognitive training to enhance thinking speed and clarity with physical exercises aimed at maximizing motor skills. Performance evaluations of the athletes utilized eight predefined tests from the OptoJump Next optical measuring system and the Myotest accelerometric system. To analyze the data, paired (dependent) sample t-tests were conducted to compare average parameters between matched samples. Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the average outcomes, ensuring the participants were consistent across the evaluated conditions. Results. The experimental group showed significant improvements in the height reached from the center of gravity and flight time for the following tests: Countermovement Jump, Countermovement Jump with Arm Swing, Squat Jump, Squat Jump with Arm Swing, and Drop Jump from 30 cm. All improvements reached statistical significance: p<0.05. Significant enhancements were also observed in average jump height, jump power, force of jumps, and ascensional speed, demonstrating statistical significance (p<0.05). Furthermore, the use of an arm swing during jumps notably improved performance compared to when jumps were performed with hands on hips. This indicates that an arm swing can significantly increase the height of the vertical jump (p<0.05). Conclusions. The study confirms that the integration of sensory technology into the training programs for junior volleyball teams is effective in enhancing training outcomes. This approach not only improves the vertical jump capabilities of young athletes but also positively affects their ability to perform technical moves that require elevation from the ground. It underscores the potential of innovative training methods in advancing athletic performance in youth sports.