The effect of 8-week plyometric training on jump height, agility, speed and asymmetry

Background and Study Aim. Plyometric training is one of the most preferred methods for athletic performance improvement. This study was designed to measure the effect of 8 weeks of additional plyometric training on jump performance, lower extremity asymmetry, speed, and agility performances of adolescent fencers. Material and Methods. This study was carried out with 26 fencers who participated in national competitions. The fencers were randomly divided into plyometric training (PLY, n = 14) and the control (n = 12) group. The PLY group did plyometric training 3 days per week for 8 weeks in addition to their fencing training. The control group only continued their fencing training. All participants performed countermovement jumps (CMJ), pro-agility, 0-5-m, 5-15–m, 0-15-m sprints, and asymmetry tests before and after 8 weeks. Results. Statistically significant differences were found in CMJ, (p = 0.001), pro-agility (p = 0.001), and 0-5-m (p = 0.036), 5-15-m (p = 0.018), and 0-15-m (p = 0.001) sprint results in the PLY group. However, asymmetry contact time and asymmetry flight time values did not show statistical differences. In addition, group x time interactions of CMJ (p < 0.001), pro-agility (p = 0.001), and 0-5-m (p = 0.015) and 5-15-m (p = 0.009) sprint tests were also found statistically significant. Conclusions. Thus, it can be said that plyometric training contributes positively to the jumping, agility, and speed of fencers. Adolescent fencers and their trainers may be advised to focus on additional plyometric training programs. However, individual differences and training experience should also be taken into account in the determination of plyometric programs.