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Open Access Thesis

Keywords

Muscle contraction; Track and field--Training;

Abstract

Many sport activities require strength and power training programs to help athletes achieve optimal performances. These types of programs are aimed at developing strength and power only through the voluntary shortening of the muscle during contraction. Research has indicated, however, that the faster a muscle is forced to lengthen, or stretch before shortening the greater tension it will exert. Plyometric training, specifically depth jumping, is one technique that does emphasize a forced maximum stretch over a short period of time. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a plyometric conditioning program, when used in addition to flexibility, weight and sprint training, on the development of explosive leg power, leg strength and sprinting speed. Twenty male track and field athletes were involved in the study. Two treatments were employed in the study. The control group trained using a conventional training program consisting of flexibility sprint and weight training. The experimental group trained using the same training program plus an additional program of depth jumps. Both training programs were conducted for nine weeks, with training sessions three times per week. All subjects were tested for: knee flexor and extensor strength; knee flexor and extensor power; maximal vertical jump; and sprint for maximum speed. All data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analyses of variance with the factors being training and testing-time. The results provide little evidence to suggest that including depth jumps as a supplemental program for conditioning sprinters and jumpers will be advantageous. Although no significant differences were found to suggest a real advantage of one training program, both groups improved significantly in leg power and sprinting speed during the nine week period. These results are congruent with recent studies conducted in the area of depth jumping and plyometrics. There was, however, one finding that was not congruent with past studies. Results of the vertical jump and reach test revealed a minimal decrease in vertical jumping performance by both groups. Although this decrease was non-significant, it was surprising since there was such a significant increase in leg power when the subjects were tested by the Cybex. It is recommended that future studies in this area deal with variables involving the duration of the training program, jumping heights, and the number of jump repetitions per week.

Year of Submission

1982

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation

First Advisor

Susann Doody

Second Advisor

David A. Whitsett

Third Advisor

Forrest Dolgener

Comments

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Date Original

1982

Object Description

1 PDF file (68 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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