Plyometric Training Essay Example

is also described concisely. Furthermore, the study's objective and the gap it aims to address are clearly stated. While many studies have investigated the benefits of PLY training, this study focuses on highly trained runners, offering a unique perspective and a strong reason for further research in this field.

The paper's introduction effectively covers all key points, establishing the tone for the rest of the article. The methods section discusses the experimental approach, subjects, and procedures. The experimental approach elucidates the study's procedure. The subjects section provides information about the profile of the runners who participated in the study. The procedures section encompasses plyometric training, treadmill testing, blood handling, and force plate measures.

The detailed training information provided on a weekly basis allows anyone to replicate the study and fully understand how the runners were trained. The range of evaluation methods used to determine the benefits of PLY goes beyond just testing for RE, providing a comprehensive understanding for highly trained runners. In a previous study, Potteiger et al (1999) used similar testing methods to assess muscle power output and also analyzed muscle samples to identify any improvements in muscle growth resulting from the training.

The study focused on measuring submaximal VO2, blood samples, and vertical jump tests. It is unclear why muscle samples were not included, which could have provided additional insights into the benefits of PLY for highly trained runners. However, the overall testing procedures encompass all significant factors that impact a runner's performance. The sample size could have been increased to improve the accuracy of the findings.

Due to the high level of training and competition, it may

have been impractical to recruit additional volunteers for a 9-week period. The authors considered a difference of at least 0.05 between pretest and posttest measurements as significant, as it is sensitive enough to detect even small changes resulting from training but does not include normal daily variations. There was no significant difference observed in the Running Economy test for slower running speeds.

After 9 weeks, the VO2 had decreased significantly at a higher running speed of 18km/h. This decrease was even more significant compared to the control group. In the cardiorespiratory and physiological measures test, there was no significant difference between the control group and the PLY group. The Force Plate Measures showed some evidence of increased power during the 5-jump Plyometric test. All major measurements were slightly higher for the PLY group when compared to the control group. The results were presented in complete detail using tables and charts.

The explanation for the results was clear, but a few additional details would have made the tables easier to understand. Overall, the results section is clear and provides all the necessary details for anyone to review. Regarding the Discussion and Conclusion, the results indicate that after 9 weeks of training, PLY improved RE at higher running speed by 4.1% in highly trained runners. However, the results were not as significant after 5 weeks of training. A previous study by Turner, Owings ; Schwane (2003) demonstrated that in medium trained runners, RE showed significant improvement after only 6 weeks of training.

Therefore, the authors' hypothesis that it would be challenging to observe advantages in highly skilled runners has been confirmed. In addition to

this, the enhanced respiratory exchange (RE) was linked to increased average power production in a 5-jump Plyometric test, reduced time to peak dynamic strength, and improvements in strength quality assessment tests. These improvements in RE occurred without any changes in cardio-respiratory function. The authors propose that the improved performance and enhanced RE in these highly trained athletes can be attributed to enhanced muscular power, which is a result of improved muscle power development and better utilization of stored elastic energy following Plyometric exercises (PLY).

In this study, the authors present their test results and discuss both the limitations and potential significance of their findings. They acknowledge that the intensity and volume of PLY may not have been sufficient to yield significant outcomes. Nevertheless, they note that even small improvements observed after 9 weeks of training could be valuable for highly trained athletes, potentially enhancing their performance. Although 9 weeks is a considerable timeframe, extending the study duration further might have provided additional insights in highly trained athletes.

The study conducted on highly trained runners over a period of nine weeks is considered too short as athletes typically adhere to a training regime for months or even years. To obtain more accurate results, it would have been recommended to extend the duration of the study. The authors acknowledge that limited PLY training was provided to prevent injuries due to the athletes' unfamiliarity with this method. Furthermore, they admit that the tests used to measure strength and power were not sensitive enough.

According to the authors, they acknowledged that the improved running economy (RE) may be attributed to changes in running mechanism at higher

speeds due to training. Based on their research findings, the authors concluded that Plyometric training enhanced RE in elite runners during their usual training and competition speeds. The absence of changes in cardio-respiratory variables suggests that these improvements are likely caused by increased muscular power and elastic energy return, as well as improved coordination and timing of ground force application.

The tables presenting the test results strongly confirm this conclusion. Although the paper is a well-researched study, it does raise some unanswered questions. The authors propose that a more rigorous PLY training could further enhance the performance of elite runners. However, the study only examined the effects of moderate PLY training. Both this current study and previous studies have shown a significant improvement in RE for long distance runners.

Although the importance of investigating the benefits of PLY training for short distance runners is recognized, a study conducted by Markovic et al (2007) suggests that short-term sprint training might have more significant effects on muscle function and athletic training. While it is widely acknowledged that Plyometric training has positive effects, recent research indicates that there might be more efficient training methods to consider. However, this comprehensive study covers all aspects.

The study investigates the potential benefits of Plyometric training for elite runners and suggests that they may indeed profit from this type of training. Despite some limitations, the study successfully achieves its research objectives within these boundaries. The data and results are extensively documented and can be easily confirmed under testing conditions. The authors offer a thorough explanation of the research methodology, enabling replication of the study. Overall, it is a well-executed

research with a well-structured paper that adheres to the reporting guidelines for a research study.