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- Title
Biomechanical and Physiological Effects of Plyometric Training on Adolescent Cross-Country Runners.
- Authors
Lathrop, Mark C.; Brown, Eugene W.; Womack, Chris J.; Ulibarri, V. Dianne; Paton, Chad; Osmond, Pete
- Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a traditional high school (14 to 18 years of age) cross-country training regimen typically used in the United States with a training program that includes plyometrics. The results of this study may be generalizable to similar training programs used by cross-country coaches of young athletes. Eighteen male and female cross-country runners were snatched according to their previous running experience and randomly assigned to two groups. Participants followed a traditional cross-country training program for six weeks, except that two to three times a week the plyometrics group replaced some of their easy run training with 15-20 minutes of plyometric training. The participants were tested before and after the six-week training period. A treadmill test was used to determine running economy and VO2max. The participants were also evaluated by having them run across a force plate in order to determine support time, braking time, and braking change in velocity. Participants were also timed on a 3200-meter run in order to determine endurance performance. The dependent variables were each analyzed in a Group (PLYO vs. RUN) x Time (Pretest vs. Posttest) two-way mixed ANOVA. Participants in both groups significantly improved their running economy, (F (1, 14) = 44.47, p <.0001) and 3200-meter time, (F (1,14) = 8.13, p = .013), while braking change in velocity decreased signigficantly (F (1, 14) = 6.19, p = .026) from pretest to posttrest. There was a trend of a Group x Time interaction effect for braking change in velocity (F(1, 14) = 3.31, p = .09) although it was not significant. The plyometric group decreased their braking change in velocity over the training period (although it was not significant), while there was no change in the running group. There were no significant differences between groups on any of the other dependent variables. These results suggest that replacing some run training with plyometrics for a short period of time in young cross-country runners does not enhance running performance or performance-related variables more than run-only training. However, the observed decrease in braking change in velocity may suggest biomechanical adaptations occur that could possibly impact performance if a long-term intervention is initiated.
- Subjects
IMPACT biomechanics; PHYSICAL fitness; ATHLETES; EXERCISE physiology; PHYSICAL education; YOUNG adults; PLYOMETRICS; TREADMILL exercise; RUNNING
- Publication
International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 2001, Vol 13, Issue 2, p12
- ISSN
1598-2939
- Publication type
Article