Background: Plyometric training is an effective training method to improve explosive strength. However, the ability to perform plyometric training in the adolescent population is still controversial, with insufficient meta-analyses about plyometric training on lower limb explosive strength in adolescent athletes. Objective: To investigate the influence of plyometric training on the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes. Methods: We performed a search of six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan-fang database) from the starting year of inclusion in each database to April 4, 2022. The quality of the included literature was assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment tool, and data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.4 software. Result: Plyometric training had significant effects on the performance of adolescent athletes in countermovement jump (MD = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.85, p < 0.01), squat jump (MD = 4.37, 95% CI: 2.85, 5.90, p < 0.01), standing long jump (MD = 6.50, 95% CI: 4.62, 8.38, p < 0.01), 10-m sprint (MD = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08, −0.00, p = 0.03), and 20-m sprint (MD = −0.12, 95% CI: −0.20, −0.04, p = 0.03); all had positive and statistically significant effects (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Plyometric training can significantly enhance the explosive strength of lower limbs in adolescent athletes.

Introduction:The study compared the effects of 6-week (2 sessions/week) velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) and percentage-based resistance training (PBRT) on athletic performance in Sport-College female basketball players.Methods:Fifteen participants were assigned to the VBRT (n= 8) or PBRT (n= 7) groups. The load in VBRT group were determined through the sessional target velocity and velocity loss monitoring, whereas PBRT group used a fixed-load based on percentage of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Both groups completed intervention that involved the free weight back squat and bench press using the same relative load (linear periodization from 65% to 95% 1RM). Training loads data was continuously recorded. Measurements at baseline (T0) and post-training (T2) included 1RM, countermovement-jump (CMJ), squat-jump (SJ), eccentric-utilization-ratio (EUR), drop-jump height and reactive-strength-index (DJ, DJ-RSI), plyometric-push-up (PPU), 505 change-of-direction (COD), 10-m、20-m sprint (T-10、T-20), 17 × 15 m drill-lines (17-drill), Hexagon agility, and functional movement screen (FMS). A mid-term (T1) assessment was included to investigate the short-term effects of both methods and the fluctuation of personalized 1RM.Results:No between-group differences were observed at T0 for descriptive variables (p&gt; 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in strength gains for back squat and bench press, but VBRT showedlikelyto very likelyfavorable improvements in CMJ, SJ, EUR, DJ-RSI, Hexagon and COD among athletic performance. The VBRT showedlikelytovery likelyimprovements in 17-drill and DJ, while PBRT showeduncleareffects. The lifted weights adjusted by VBRT method were higher than prescribed by PBRT (p&lt; 0.05) for the same subjects.Conclusion:Compared with fixed-load PBRT, VBRT enhanced power and athletic performance despite similar strength gains. VBRT can be regarded as a more functional resistance-training method under linear periodization.

Plyometric training is a commonly employed method to enhance explosive strength in athletes. However, to date, no study has provided a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the effects of unilateral (UNI) versus bilateral (BI) plyometric training. This meta-analysis investigates the impact of UNI and BI plyometric training on jumping, sprinting, and Change of Direction (COD) abilities. To be eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, the study had to be:(1)healthy individuals; (2)UNI and BI plyometric training ; (3)conducted on rigid surfaces; (4)the outcome indicators were jumping ability, sprinting, and change of direction ability; (5)randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used the random-effects model for meta-analyses. Effect sizes (standardized mean difference), calculated from measures of horizontally oriented performance, were represented by the standardized mean difference and presented alongside 95% confidence intervals (CI). PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, CNKI and Google Scholar. A total of 11 papers met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that UNI contrast training was more effective than BI contrast training in improving single-leg jump performance (ES = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.02–1.04; Z = 2.05, p = 0.04), double-legs jump performance (ES = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.23–0.09; Z = 0.88, p = 0.38),sprint performance (ES = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.07–-0.01; Z = 2.32, p = 0.02), as well as COD (ES = − 0.08, 95% CI: − 0.12 to − 0.03; Z = 3.29, p = 0.001 < 0.01). Conversely, BI contrast training showed a greater effect on bilateral jump performance (ES = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.12–-0.03; Z = 3.39, p = 0.0007). Training with low-ground-contact frequencies (LGCF, fewer than 900 contacts) was found to significantly enhance vertical jump performance (ES = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.01–1.27; Z = 2.00, p = 0.05). UNI and BI plyometric training offer modality-specific benefits for enhancing single-leg jumping, sprinting, and COD performance, whereas BI is more effective for optimizing bilateral jump performance. The LGCF protocol significantly enhances vertical jump performance.

Plyometric training boosts adolescents' jumping ability, crucial for athletic success and health. However, the best total ground contact frequency (TGCF) and overall intervention time (OIT) for these exercises remain unclear. This meta-analysis aims to identify optimal TGCF and OIT in plyometric training for adolescents, focusing on countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) outcomes. This systematic review encompassed five databases and included 38 studies with 50 randomized controlled experiments and 3347 participants. We used the Cochrane risk assessment tool for study quality and Review Manager 5.4 for data analysis. The current meta-analysis incorporated a total of 38 studies, comprising 50 sets of randomized controlled trials, to investigate the influence of different TGCFs and OITs on plyometric training. The Cochrane risk assessment tool indicated that all the included studies were classified as low risk. Various TGCFs in plyometric training positively affected CMJ and SJ heights in adolescents. The TGCF of less than 900 was ideal for enhancing CMJ, whereas more than 1400 was effective for SJ. The optimal OIT was 400–600 min, specifically, 500–600 min for CMJ and 400–500 min for SJ. Plyometric training improves jumping ability in adolescents. Lower ground contact frequency (< 900 contacts) enhances CMJ, while higher ground contact frequency (> 1400 contacts) is more effective for SJ. Optimal intervention time ranges from 400 to 600 min, with 500 to 600 min benefiting CMJ and 400 to 500 min improving SJ.

Exercise, protein supplementation, and their combination are guideline-recommended strategies for managing sarcopenia. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various types of voluntary and simulated exercise on the outcomes of muscle strength, physical function, and muscle mass in individuals with sarcopenia. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through December 2024 and conducted a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework, and interventions were categorized according to their relative effectiveness and certainty ratings. A total of 96 eligible studies involving 7,596 participants were included. Resistance and balance training combined with protein-based nutritional supplementation (RBT + Nu) was the most effective intervention for improving grip strength (MD = 5.45 kg, 95% CI: 3.58-7.33), gait speed (MD = 0.20 m/s, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.29), SPPB (MD = 3.59 points, 95% CI: 1.91-5.27), and skeletal muscle index (MD = 0.95 kg/m², 95% CI: 0.16-1.74). Improvements in gait speed and SPPB exceeded the minimal clinically important difference, while gains in grip strength were potentially clinically meaningful. Resistance and balance training (RBT) achieved the most significant improvement in the timed up and go test (MD = -2.29 s, 95% CI: -3.16 to -1.41), whereas aerobic and resistance training combined with nutrition was most effective in the five-times sit-to-stand test (MD = -2.86 s, 95% CI: -4.55 to -1.17); both improvements are potentially clinically meaningful. Resistance training with nutrition showed the largest improvements in knee extension strength (SMD = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.63-1.33) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (MD = 0.33 kg/m², 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.38). Aerobic, resistance, and balance training produced the greatest benefit for balance performance (SMD = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.13-1.34). High-certainty evidence supports RBT + Nu as the most effective intervention for improving muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function in individuals with sarcopenia. We recommend combining RBT with protein and amino acid supplementation as an optimal strategy when feasible.

Objective: This study investigates the efficacy of training methodologies aimed at mitigating asymmetries in lower limb strength and explosiveness among basketball players.Methods: Thirty male university basketball athletes were enrolled in this research. Initial assessments were made regarding their physical attributes, strength, and explosiveness. Subsequently, the participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Over 10 weeks, the EG engaged in a unilateral compound training regimen, incorporating resistance training exercises such as split squats, Bulgarian split squats, box step-ups, and single-leg calf raises (non-dominant leg: three sets of six repetitions; dominant leg: one set of six repetitions) and plyometric drills including lunge jumps, single-leg hops with back foot raise, single-leg lateral jumps, and single-leg continuous hopping (non-dominant leg: three sets of 12 repetitions; dominant leg: one set of 12 repetitions). The CG continued with their standard training routine. Assessments of limb asymmetry and athletic performance were conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes.Results: 1) Body morphology assessments showed limb length and circumference discrepancies of less than 3 cm. The initial average asymmetry percentages in the single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) for jump height, power, and impulse were 15.56%, 12.4%, and 4.48%, respectively. 2) Post-intervention, the EG demonstrated a significant reduction in the asymmetry percentages of SLCMJ height and power (p < 0.01), along with improvements in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test metrics (p < 0.05). 3) The EG also showed marked enhancements in the double-leg countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) outcomes compared to the CG (p < 0.01), as well as in squat performance (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The 10-week unilateral compound training program effectively reduced the asymmetry in lower limb strength and explosiveness among elite male university basketball players, contributing to increased maximal strength and explosiveness.