INFLUENCE OF PLYOMETRIC AND RESISTANCE TRAINING ON STRENGTH, POWER, AND PREDICTED CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN ACTIVE ADULTS

Authors

C Kirven, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
E Davila, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT; Department of Fitness, Ridge Athletic Clubs, Bozeman, MT.
K Edwards, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
A Filipowicz, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
L Legidakes, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
D Nordman, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
J Perreault, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
W Robinson, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
M Tarantino, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
B Turnbaugh, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
C Vap, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
D P. Heil, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

Abstract

Plyometric training is largely used to improve speed, power, and strength in athletic populations. While recreationally active adults may not be concerned in the improvement of muscular power over strength, it is possible that plyometric training can elicit greater changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) when compared to resistance training alone. PURPOSE: This pilot study evaluated whether resistance and plyometric training combined was more effective than resistance training alone at improving strength, power, and predicted CRF in recreationally active adults. METHODS: Eleven active adults (two males and nine females) were pre- and post-tested for vertical jump (VJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), multiple 5-Bound (M5B), five-repetition maximum leg press (LP5RM), body fat (BF), treadmill time to exhaustion (TTE), and predicted VO_2MAX (PVO_2MAX = CRF) from TTE. Subjects were randomly split into treatment ((Mean±SD) 28±7 yrs, 23.6±2.7 kg/m²) and control groups (26±7 yrs, 24.5±1.5 kg/m²). The treatment group completed 6 weeks of plyometric and resistance training while the control group completed 6 weeks of resistance training only. Groups were compared using a 2-factor (time x group) RM ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant changes for VJ, CMJ, M5B, or BF (p>0.05), but TTE, PVO2_mx, and LP5RM increased significantly (p<0.05) from pre to post. TTE and PVO_2MAX changes were driven by significant plyometric group changes in TTE (Pre: 12.05±2.31 min, Post: 12.51±2.15 min), whereas TTE in the resistance training group did not change significantly (Pre: 12.19±1.39 min, Post: 12.39±1.59 min). LP5RM significantly improved in both groups: 370±120 to 477±143 and 394±100 to 520±128 for plyometric and control groups, respectively (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed significant improvements in leg strength, while the addition of plyometric training resulted in no significant improvements in power or body fat when compared to resistance training alone. However, improvements in TTE and PVO_2MAX suggest plyometric training may help improve CRF. Therefore, plyometric training may be beneficial for recreationally active adults looking to improve functional capacity and the ability to perform activities of daily living.

Recommended Citation

Kirven, C; Davila, E; Edwards, K; Filipowicz, A; Legidakes, L; Nordman, D; Perreault, J; Robinson, W; Tarantino, M; Turnbaugh, B; Vap, C; and Heil, D P. (2015) "INFLUENCE OF PLYOMETRIC AND RESISTANCE TRAINING ON STRENGTH, POWER, AND PREDICTED CARDIORESPIRATORY FITNESS IN ACTIVE ADULTS," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 8: Iss. 3, Article 75.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol8/iss3/75