Athletic Performance, Muscle Strength, Neuromuscular Performance in Athletes, Physical Fitness, Plyometric Exercise Adaptations
Conditions
Keywords
Plyometric Training, Basketball Performance, Change of Direction, Linear Sprint Velocity
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on the physical performance of male basketball players. The research focuses on measuring improvements in linear sprinting speed, change-of-direction (agility) abilities, and vertical jump height. Additionally, the study examines changes in the participants' muscle strength through isokinetic testing. Twenty-four trained basketball players were divided into two groups: the control group followed their regular basketball training, while the experimental group added specific plyometric exercises, such as jumps and bounds, twice per week. By comparing the results before and after the 8-week intervention period, the study seeks to determine if this training method effectively enhances the athletic skills required in competitive basketball.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the multidimensional effects of a structured plyometric training (PT) intervention on competitive male basketball players. While vertical jump performance is a common focus in PT research, this study specifically evaluates the transfer of adaptations to sport-specific locomotor tasks and isokinetic muscle strength profiles.Participants (N = 24) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups maintained their standard basketball training, including shooting, 3-on-3 games, and defensive drills. The EG performed an additional 8-week progressive plyometric program twice weekly, consisting of exercises such as box jumps, depth jumps, and bounding, with a total volume ranging from 80 to 140 ground contacts per session. Training volume was meticulously logged, and an adherence rate of at least 85% was required for inclusion in the final analysis.Performance was evaluated through a comprehensive testing battery conducted pre- and post-intervention under standardized conditions. The primary outcomes focused on linear sprint speed (25-meter sprint) and change-of-direction (CoD) ability (V-cut test), which are critical for the high-intensity demands of basketball. Secondary outcomes included vertical jump height measured via countermovement jump (CMJ) with and without arm swing, and isokinetic knee and hip strength assessed at angular velocities of 60 degrees per second and 180 degrees per second.The study hypothesized that the addition of PT would lead to superior gains in sprint and CoD performance compared to basketball training alone. Furthermore, it aimed to explore whether these performance improvements are accompanied by significant changes in isokinetic torque production. Data were analyzed using a 2 (Time) x 2 (Group) repeated-measures ANOVA to identify significant interactions. Normality was verified using Skewness and Kurtosis z-scores, with Winsorization applied to outliers to maintain data robustness.
Interventions
OTHER8-Week Progressive Plyometric Training Program
The intervention consists of a structured 8-week progressive plyometric training (PT) program designed specifically for competitive basketball players. It is performed twice weekly as a supplement to standard technical and tactical basketball drills. 1. Progressive Volume: The training dosage is strictly controlled based on ground contacts per session, progressing from 80 contacts during Weeks 1 to 2, up to 140 contacts during Weeks 7 to 8. 2. Movement Protocols: The protocol includes multi-planar movements such as vertical (box jumps, countermovement jumps), horizontal (broad jumps), and lateral (lateral bounds) exercises to simulate basketball-specific demands. 3. Execution \& Recovery: Exercises are performed at maximal effort, focusing on minimizing ground contact time to optimize the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC). Sessions occur on a standard basketball court for surface adaptation. A recovery period of 48 to 72 hours is provided between sessions to prevent overtraining.
Sponsors
Kastamonu University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
Due to the nature of the intervention (physical exercise and plyometric training), it was not possible to mask the participants or the coaching staff to the group assignments. Both the experimental and control groups were aware of their respective training protocols. However, to minimize bias during the assessment and data processing phases: 1.Data Analysis: The statistical analysis was performed by a researcher who was blinded to the group allocations. All data were coded to ensure anonymity until the completion of the analysis. 2. Standardization: To ensure objectivity, all physical performance tests, including the 25-meter sprint, V-cut agility, and isokinetic strength, were conducted using automated electronic timing systems (Witty, Microgate, Italy) and computerized dynamometers (Isomed 2000, D&R Ferstl GmbH, Germany). These objective measures eliminate potential manual measurement errors.
Intervention model description
The study followed a pre-test/post-test parallel-group randomized design. A total of 24 male basketball players were assigned to one of two arms: 1. Experimental Group (n = 12): Participants integrated a progressive plyometric training (PT) program into their routine basketball schedule. The PT was performed twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for 8 weeks, focusing on high-intensity jumping and bounding exercises to enhance the stretch-shortening cycle. 2. Control Group (n = 12): Participants continued their standard basketball training program (technical and tactical drills) without any additional plyometric intervention. Both groups were assessed simultaneously at baseline (Week 0) and post-intervention (Week 8) using the same testing battery (25-meter sprint, V-cut agility, countermovement jump, and isokinetic dynamometry) under identical environmental conditions to ensure comparability.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 22 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Active and licensed male basketball players. * Age between 18 and 22 years. * Minimum of 3 years of competitive basketball experience. * Currently participating in regular team training at least 5 days per week. * Free from any lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries for at least 6 months prior to the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of any acute or chronic injury that limits maximal performance during the study period. * Concurrent participation in any other external strength or power training programs. * Failure to attend more than 10 percent of the intervention sessions.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 25-meter Linear Sprint Time | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8). | Time taken to complete a 25-meter straight-line sprint from a standing start. This measure evaluates linear speed and explosive acceleration. The test is conducted on a basketball court using electronic timing gates, with the best time of three trials recorded to ensure data accuracy. |
| V-cut Agility Test Time | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8). | Time taken to complete the V-cut agility test, which requires participants to perform four 25-degree directional changes over a 20-meter distance. This measure evaluates change-of-direction speed and maneuverability. The best time of three trials is recorded in seconds using electronic timing gates. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8). | Assessment of explosive lower-body power. Measured using an Optojump photoelectric system (Microgate, Italy) while participants perform a maximal vertical jump with hands on hips. |
| Isokinetic Peak Torque of Knee Extensors and Flexors | Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 8). | Maximal concentric muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors is measured at angular velocities of 60 degrees per second and 180 degrees per second. Assessments are performed using an isokinetic dynamometer (Isomed 2000, D\&R Ferstl GmbH, Germany). The peak torque value from five maximal repetitions at each speed is recorded. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed