Athletic Performance, Sprint Performance, Youths
Conditions
Keywords
Plyometric training, Horizontal plyometrics, Sprint mechanics, Sprint performance, Temporal-kinematic analysis
Brief summary
This field-based exploratory pre-post study examined the effects of a six-week horizontally oriented plyometric training program on sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic outcomes in early-adolescent male track-and-field athletes. Participants completed 12 supervised plyometric training sessions integrated into their regular athletics practice. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention using field-based sprint testing, video-derived temporal-kinematic analysis, and horizontal jump performance measures. The study was conducted in a low-resource community sport setting in Antioquia, Colombia. The intervention was designed according to the participants' age, training background, and usual sport practice demands, with progressive exercise exposure, supervision, adequate recovery, and safety monitoring throughout the training period.
Detailed description
Horizontally oriented plyometric training may be relevant for sprint development because sprint acceleration and the transition toward maximal sprinting velocity require rapid force production and effective forward orientation of propulsive actions. However, evidence in early-adolescent track-and-field athletes remains limited, particularly in community-based sport contexts where coaches rely on accessible field tests and video-based kinematic procedures. This exploratory single-arm intervention study evaluated pre-post changes after 12 sessions of horizontally oriented plyometric training in male early-adolescent track-and-field athletes aged 12-13 years. The training program was delivered over approximately six weeks and was integrated into the athletes' regular training routine. The intervention emphasized horizontally directed plyometric actions and was implemented with progressive exposure, technical supervision, adequate rest periods, and suspension criteria in case of pain, excessive fatigue, musculoskeletal discomfort, or any safety concern. Sprint performance and sprint-related temporal-kinematic variables were assessed before and after the intervention. Field-based assessments included sprint time and video-derived sprint variables, complemented by horizontal jump performance. Because the study was conducted with minors and a small sport-specific sample, all data will be reported in aggregate form, and no individual participant data will be publicly shared.
Interventions
OTHERHorizontally Oriented Plyometric Training
The intervention consisted of 12 supervised sessions of horizontally oriented plyometric exercises delivered over approximately six weeks. Exercises emphasized forward-directed explosive actions and horizontal force application through age-appropriate plyometric tasks. Sessions were conducted under supervision and incorporated warm-up, technical instruction, controlled progression of volume and intensity, rest periods, and monitoring for pain, excessive fatigue, or musculoskeletal discomfort.
Sponsors
Federal University of Vicosa
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
All participants received the same horizontally oriented plyometric training program. Outcomes were compared within participants from baseline to post-intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
12 Years to 13 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male early-adolescent track-and-field athletes aged 12-13 years. * Active participation in a municipal or community-based athletics training program in Antioquia, Colombia. * Minimum recent experience in athletics training according to the records of the local training program. * Ability to complete sprint testing, jump testing, and the planned plyometric training sessions. * Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian. * Written or documented assent provided by the minor participant.
Exclusion criteria
* Current musculoskeletal injury, pain, or medical restriction that prevents sprinting, jumping, or participation in plyometric training. * Any cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic, or other health condition contraindicating high-intensity physical exercise. * Failure to complete baseline or post-intervention assessments. * Absence from a substantial portion of the intervention sessions, according to the predefined adherence criteria. * Participation in another structured training or research intervention that could substantially affect the outcomes during the study period.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in 60-m Sprint Time | Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session. | Total time to complete a 60-m sprint, measured in seconds under field-based conditions. Lower values indicate better sprint performance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Sprint Split Times | Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session. | Sprint segment times derived from field-based sprint testing. Segment times will be used to describe changes in sprint acceleration and sprint performance distribution across the sprint distance. Lower values indicate better segment performance. |
| Change in Video-Derived Sprint Temporal-Kinematic Variables | Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session. | Sprint-related temporal-kinematic variables derived from video analysis during sprint testing. These variables may include step-related temporal and spatial indicators according to the available video-based analysis protocol. |
| Change in Horizontal Jump Performance | Baseline and within 48-72 hours after the final intervention session. | Horizontal jump performance assessed using a field-based jump test. Greater jump distance indicates better horizontal explosive performance. |
| Adverse Events During Training | From the first intervention session to the final intervention session, approximately six weeks. | Any pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, excessive fatigue, or event requiring interruption, modification, or suspension of the training session will be recorded throughout the intervention. |
Countries
Colombia
Outcome results
None listed