Measuring Differences in Plyometric Strength Training for Male

Measuring Differences in Plyometric Strength Training for Male Collegiate Soccer Players Brandon Ilagan Advisor: Kelly A. Stalker, Ed. D. , LAT, ATC Abstract In sports there a variety of different ways to strength train. Plyometric training is a form of training that can be used to enhance athletes’ strength gains (Davies, Riemann & Manske, 2015). However, research is lacking in this type of training, especially in male soccer players. The purpose of this study was to measure changes in strength following plyometric training in male collegiate soccer players. Twelve collegiate male soccer players from Immaculata University participated in a four-week plyometric strength-training program. The athletes went through pre and post training testing for one repetition maximum squat and bench press, maximum number of pull-ups, broad jump and vertical jump. Significant differences were found when comparing the pre and post scores of each test; squat (p = 0. 004), bench press (p = 0. 001), pull-ups (p = 0. 001), broad jump (p = 0. 002), and vertical jump (p = 0. 001). From these findings it can be concluded that plyometric strength training does help male collegiate soccer players obtain improve strength. Methods Conclusions Participants: - 12 collegiate male soccer players - Mean age of 20. 0 From these findings it can be concluded that plyometric strength training does help male collegiate soccer players obtain improved strength. Test Mean Std. Dev. t p Vertical Jump Pre 20. 27 3. 914 -4. 45 0. 001 Post 23. 14 2. 521 Broad Jump Pre 7. 26 0. 716 -4. 244 0. 002 Post 7. 54 0. 555 Pull-Ups Pre 8. 42 5. 518 -5. 533 0. 001 Post 11. 08 5. 435 Bench Press Pre 169. 58 39. 165 -6. 504 0. 001 Post 177. 92 36. 585 Squat Pre 224. 09 62. 523 -3. 667 0. 004 Post 244. 55 50. 816 Procedures: - Pre and Post testing -Vertical jump -Broad jump -Maximum number of pull ups -1 RM Squat -1 RM Bench Press - Plyometric training program - 4 weeks, 3 days a week - Warm up 1 mile run on treadmill or bike - Plyometric exercises Introduction Results Plyometric training is defined as exerting energy rapidly at a high force in short intervals, with the goal to be increasing strength and power (Wang & Zhang, 2016). Pre & Post Testing Comparisons Soccer requires rapid movements such as acceleration/deceleration of the body, changes of direction, vertical and horizontal jumps, endurance, and speed (Wang & Zhang, 2016). 0 25 Vertical Jump Broad Jump Pull Up 50 75 100 Further Research 125 150 175 200 225 250 20, 27 - A comparison of strength changes of different sports could be done to see if plyometric training is beneficial in all sports. 23, 14 7, 26 7, 54 8, 42 11, 08 “Each player must possess a certain level of muscular strength and power in the body to challenge the strength of the opponent players as well as able to perform the skill at a high consistency level. ” (Mohamed & Mohamed, 2014) Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure changes in strength following plyometric training in male collegiate soccer players. -From the results it can be seen that these players have made advancements within their strength through the assigned plyometric program. Bench Press References 169, 58 177, 92 Squat 224, 09 244, 55 Wang, Y. -C. , & Zhang, N. (2016). Effects of plyometric training on soccer players. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 12(2), 550– 554. http: //doi. org/10. 3892/etm. 2016. 3419 Davies, G. , Riemann, B. L. , & Manske, R. (2015). CURRENT CONCEPTS OF PLYOMETRIC EXERCISE. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 10(6), 760– 786. Pre Test Post Test Significant differences were found when comparing the pre and post scores of each test. Acknowledgement Section Mohamed, M. F. , Ali, S. S. , & Mohamed, S. K. (2014). The Effectiveness of Plyometric Training on Muscle Strength for Soccer Players. Ovidius University Annals, Series Physical Education & Sport/Science, Movement & Health, 14(2), 163 -169