The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the implementation of an experimental program with combined plyometric and coordination exercises for a time interval of 6 months aimed at improving the jump shots of U12 junior players through the use of information technologies. One hundred seventeen female basketball players, aged between 10 and 12 years (U12), participated in this study. The study subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG), with 60 (51.3%) subjects, and the control group (CG), with 57 subjects (48.7%). The 6-month experiment program implemented in the experimental group included exercises that combined coordination exercises with plyometric exercises in the execution of throwing skills and skills specific to the basketball game by using the MyVert portable smart sensor. This study included an initial test and a final test, in which three motor tests adapted to the specifics of the basketball game were applied in order to evaluate jump shots: a throw-after-step test, a standing shot test and a shot-after-dribbling test. Only the results of the experimental group showed statistically significant progress (p < 0.05) between the final and initial testing in all three motor tests for the following parameters: maximum jump height (cm), average jump height (cm), power (watts/kg) and successful shots (no). The gains of the control group were not statistically significant in any test. It should be noted that the number of throws scored in the basket of the experimental group increased significantly, a fact highlighted by the very large size of Cohen\'s value > 3 in all the tests of this study. The results of the experimental group as a result of the implementation of the experimental training program using MyVert technology were superior to the results of the control group. The practical implications of the present study will contribute to the optimization of the athletes\' training methodology in order to improve the physical and technical levels in relation to the peculiarities of age and training level.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on the physical fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with controls (i.e., standard therapy). The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Eligibility was assessed using the PICOS approach. Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Methodological study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data were meta-analyzed by applying a random-effects model to calculate Hedges\' g effect sizes (ES), along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The impact of heterogeneity was assessed (I2 statistic), and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. Eight randomized-controlled studies with low-to-moderate methodological quality were included, involving male (n = 225) and female (n = 138) youth aged 9.5 to 14.6 years. PJT interventions lasted between 8 and 12 weeks with 2-4 weekly sessions. Compared with controls, PJT improved the muscle strength (ES = 0.66 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.36-0.96, p < 0.001, I2 = 5.4%), static (ES = 0.69 [moderate], 95% CI= 0.33-1.04, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%) and dynamic balance (ES = 0.85 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.12-1.58, p = 0.023, I2 = 81.6%) of youth with CP. Therefore, PJT improves muscle strength and static and dynamic balance in youth with CP compared with controls. However, more high-quality randomized-controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to provide a more definitive recommendation regarding the use and safety of PJT to improve measures of physical fitness.

UNASSIGNED: Aztarain-Cardiel, K, Garatachea, N, and Pareja-Blanco, F. Effects of plyometric training volume on physical performance in youth basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1275-1279, 2024-The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different plyometric training volumes on jumping, sprinting, and change-of-direction performances in youth basketball players. Thirty-one young male basketball players (age: 15.1 ± 1.8 years) from 4 squads belonging to an elite basketball club were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (a) low-volume (LV) plyometric training, (b) high-volume (HV) plyometric training, and (c) control group (CG). The subjects followed a plyometric training program twice a week for 6 weeks, differing in the training volume controlled through the number of jumps per session. Both experimental groups performed 8 repetitions in each set of bilateral vertical jumps with free arms, but HV completed twice the training volume of LV (98.7 vs. 49.3 jumps per session). Pretraining and Posttraining measurements included the following: (a) squat jump (SJ); (b) countermovement jump (CMJ); (c) horizontal jump (HJ); (d) straight-line sprint in 20 m (Sprint); and (e) V-Cut change-of-direction test (V-Cut). The LV and HV groups showed similar increases in vertical jump performance. The LV group significantly increased its performance in SJ, CMJ, and HJ (p < 0.001-0.05), whereas the HV group showed significant improvements only in SJ and CMJ (p < 0.001). Furthermore, neither group increased their sprint or change of direction performance. Control group did not improve in any performance variable analyzed. Therefore, the LV and HV plyometric training programs produce similar benefits on jump performance variables, but LV is more repetition-efficient than HV in young basketball players. This supports the statement that there is a nonlinear relationship between training volume and performance improvements.

BACKGROUND: Training interventions like Resisted Sled Training, Complex Training, Plyometric training, and recently, Postactivation Potentiation Enhancement (PAPE) protocols are being employed by sportsmen for performance enhancement. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of the PAPE protocols and methods to integrate them into the training. The current systematic review aims to critically summarize the current evidence on PAPE protocols\' effect on Sprint and Change of Direction (COD) performance in Athletes and study the influence of the Type of PAPE protocols, Recovery duration, Volumes, and loads of PAPE protocols.
METHODS: A systematic computerized literature search was performed from December 2020 to June 2022 on the databases: MEDLINE (assessed by PubMed), CENTRAL (Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials), PeDro, and Science direct. The major criteria for inclusion were Athletes (Population) who performed PAPE protocol as Intervention before Sprint and/or COD assessment tests. The studies were individually assessed for Risk of Bias using EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) Tool.
RESULTS: A total of sixteen studies were included. For Linear sprint, nine studies reported a significant PAPE effect whereas, six studies reported insignificant effects. Whereas, for COD performance, two studies reported insignificant results and one study reported significant CODS enhancements The recovery duration ranged from 15 s up to 16 min.
CONCLUSIONS: PAPE protocols can be incorporated provided the recovery duration is of Moderate duration (3-8mins) or Individualized durations, using multiple sets (2-6), moderate-high loads (>85% 1-RM), type of protocol is Barbell Hip Thrust, Plyometrics or Unilateral biomechanically similar exercises to Running.

To assess the evidence for the effect of strength and conditioning on physical qualities and aesthetic competence in dance populations, three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus) were searched (until September 2022) for studies that met the following criteria: (i) dancers aged >16 years; (ii) structured strength and conditioning intervention; and (iii) with physical qualities and aesthetic competence as outcome measures. Methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed through the systematic review tool \"QualSyst\". Meta-analyses of effect sizes (Hedges\' g) with forest plots explored the effects of the strength and conditioning interventions. Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Meta-analysis indicated strength and conditioning significantly (p < 0.05) improved lower body power (g = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.53-1.27), upper body strength (g = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.39-1.57), lower body strength (g = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.97-2.22), and flexibility (g = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.05-1.66). Strength and conditioning interventions were found to be effective at improving physical qualities in dancers, recommending their participation in additional sessions to enhance overall fitness and ultimately dance performance. It is recommended that future strength and conditioning intervention research should include sample size calculations, with participants recruited from a specific dance genre and skill level in order to evaluate how strength and conditioning influences dance performance.

The aim of our study was to compare the effects of two different plyometric training programs (targeting knee extensors or plantar flexors) on jump height and strength of leg muscles. Twenty-nine male basketball players were assigned to the knee-flexed (KF), knee-extended (KE), or control groups. In addition to regular training, the KF group performed plyometric jumps (10 sets of 10 jumps, 3 sessions/week, 4 weeks) from 50 cm boxes with the knee flexed (90°-120°), whereas the KE group performed the jumps from 30 cm boxes with the knee much more extended (130°-170°). Jumping ability was evaluated with squat jumps (SJs), countermovement jumps (CMJs), and drop jumps from 20 cm (DJ20) and 40 cm (DJ40). Knee and ankle muscles were assessed during maximal isokinetic and isometric tests, and EMG activity was recorded from vastus lateralis and medial gastrocnemius. The KF group increased SJ (+10%, d = 0.86) and CMJ (+11%, d = 0.70) but decreased DJ40 height (-7%, d = -0.40). Conversely, the KE group increased DJ20 (+10%, d = 0.74) and DJ40 (+12%, d = 0.77) but decreased SJ height (-4%, d = -0.23). The reactivity index during DJs increased (+10% for DJ20, d = 0.47; +20% for DJ40, d = 0.91) for the KE group but decreased (-10%, d = -0.48) for the KF group during DJ40. Plantar flexor strength increased for the KE group (d = 0.72-1.00) but not for the KF group. Negative transfer across jumps is consistent with the principle of training specificity. Basketball players interested to perform fast rebounds in their training should avoid plyometric jumps with large knee flexions and long contact times.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of jumping interval training (JIT) and running high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the aerobic, anaerobic and jumping performances of youth female aerobic gymnasts. A randomized controlled study was conducted over an 8-week period, involving 73 youth female athletes (16.2 ± 1.3 years old) of aerobic gymnastics. The study comprised two experimental groups (JIT and HIIT) and a control group. Participants in the experimental groups engaged in two additional training sessions per week alongside their regular training regimen, while the control group followed their usual training routine. Before and after the intervention period, gymnasts were assessed for their performance in the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the specific aerobic gymnastics anaerobic test (SAGAT) and the 20-m multistage fitness test. Significant interactions time × group were found in SAGAT (p < 0.001; = 0.495), CMJ (p < 0.001; = 0.338) and 20-m multistage fitness test (p < 0.001; = 0.500). The time × group analysis post-intervention revealed significantly lower scores in SAGAT for the control group compared to the JIT (p = 0.003) and HIIT (p = 0.034). Additionally, significantly higher scores were observed for the JIT group in the CMJ test compared to the HIIT (p = 0.020) and control (p = 0.028) groups following the intervention. Finally, the 20 m multistage fitness test post-intervention revealed significantly lower scores for the control group compared to JIT (p < 0.001) and HIIT (p < 0.001). Both JIT and HIIT are recommended training strategies to adopt in aerobic gymnastics for significantly improving the aerobic and anaerobic performances of athletes. However, JIT may be particularly relevant to use as it offers additional benefits in improving vertical jumping performances.

The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of both small-sided games (SSG) and short interval running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs over an 8-week period in fostering adaptations in aerobic capacity, change-of-direction abilities, and jumping performances of youth female soccer players. The study involved 48 female youth participants under the age of 19, competing at the regional level, who took part in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were assigned to either the SSG group, the HIIT group, or a control group, which involved regular in-field sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after the 8-week training intervention, measuring aerobic capacity using the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (VIFT), change of direction (COD) using the 5-0-5 test, and jumping performance using the countermovement jump test (CMJ). Time 5 group analysis revealed significant interactions in CMJ (p = 0.005; ηp2= 0.213) and VIFT (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.433), although no significant interaction were found in COD deficit (p = 0.246; ηp2 = 0.060). Within-group analysis revealed that SSG significantly improved CMJ (p < 0.001), COD deficit (p < 0.001), and VIFT (p < 0.001). HIIT group also significantly improved CMJ (p = 0.029), COD deficit (p = 0.001), and VIFT (p < 0.001). As conclusion, the study revealed that SSG promoted significantly improvements in VIFT, CMJ and COD deficit, being significantly better than control group, while HIIT was only significantly better than control in VIFT. SSG revealed to be effective approach for favoring key physical attributes of female soccer players, being an interesting and recommended training approach to increase the ecology of the training practice, while favoring physical positive adaptations.

To determine how lateral shuffling/lateral shuffle (LS) -induced fatigue affects ankle proprioception and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Eighteen male college athletes performed 6 modes of a repeated LS protocol with 2 distances (2.5 and 5 m) and 3 speeds (1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 m/s). After LS, ankle inversion proprioception (AIP) was measured using the active movement extent discrimination apparatus (AMEDA). CMJ, blood lactate (BLa), heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured before and after LS. The number of changes of direction (CODs) in each protocol was recorded. LS-induced fatigue was evident in BLa, HR and RPE (all p < 0.05), increasing with shorter shuffle distance and faster speed. RM-ANOVA showed a significant distance main effect on both AIP (p < 0.01) and CMJ (p < 0.05), but the speed main effect was only significant for CMJ (p ≤ 0.001), not AIP (p = 0.87). CMJ performance was correlated with BLa, HR and RPE (r values range from -0.62 to -0.32, all p ≤ 0.001). AIP was only correlated with CODs (r = -0.251, p < 0.01). These results suggested that in LS, shorter distance, regardless of speed, was associated with worse AIP, whereas subsequent CMJ performance was affected by both LS distance and speed. Hence, AIP performance was not related to physiological fatigue, but CMJ performance was. Results imply that LS affects processing proprioceptive input and producing muscular output differently, and that these two aspects of neuromuscular control are affected by physiological fatigue to varying degrees. These findings have implications for injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Microdosing can facilitate better accommodation to the training stimulus while aligning with the scheduling needs of teams. In this study, the effectiveness of microdosing exposure was investigated by comparing the effects of microdosing plyometric jump training (microPJT) with those of regular plyometric jump training (regPJT) and a control group not exposed to plyometric training. The comparison focused on the effects on jumping performance, reactive strength index (RSI), and acceleration over a 10-meter distance. Fifty-two male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.6 years old) from under-17 teams participated in a randomized controlled study, with interventions lasting 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted twice, before and after the intervention, measuring squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), RSI during drop jumps, and acceleration in a 10-meter sprint test. The regPJT group completed 34 bilateral jumps and 48 unilateral jumps per week over two weekly sessions, totaling 82 jumps. Conversely, the microPJT group performed 17 bilateral jumps and 24 unilateral jumps weekly over 4 sessions week, totaling 41 jumps. Significant interactions between groups and time were observed concerning SJ (p < 0.001; η2= 0.282), CMJ (p < 0.001; η2= 0.368), RSI (p < 0.001; η2= 0.400) and 10-m sprint time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.317). Between-group analysis indicated that both the microPJT (p < 0.001) and regPJT (p < 0.001) groups exhibited significant better results compared to the control group in post-intervention evaluation of SJ, CMJ, RSI and 10-m sprint time, while no significant differences were found between experimental groups (p > 0.050). In conclusion, this study has revealed that both microPJT and regPJT are equally effective in enhancing jumping performance and acceleration time in soccer players. This suggests that a smaller training volume, distributed more frequently across the week, can effectively induce improvements in soccer players.