S-22: Upper Extremity Plyometric Training for the Pediatric Overhead Athletes; Randomized Controled Trial
Elif Turgut1, Özge Cinar Medeni2, Filiz Fatma Çolakoğlu3, Gül Baltacı4
1Hacettepe University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey
2Çankırı Karatekin University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Çankırı, Turkey
3Gazi University, School of Sports Sciences Ankara, Turkey
4Private Guven Hospital, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Ankara, Turkey
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/ PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a 12-week upper extremity plyometric training program on upper body explosive power, strength and endurance in pediatric overhead athletes.
MATERIALS-METHOD: Twenty-eight female pediatric volleyball players participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two study groups: an intervention group (upper extremity plyometric training, n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). All of the participants were assessed before and after a 12-week training program for upper body explosive power, strength and endurance. Statistical comparison was performed using an analysis of variance test.
FINDINGS: Comparisons showed that after a 12-week training program, the upper body plyometric training program resulted in more improvements in an overhead medicine-ball throwing distance and a push-up performance when compared to control training.
DISCUSSION / CONCLUSION: Compared to regular training, upper body plyometric training resulted in additional improvements in upper body power and strength and endurance among female pediatric volleyball players. The findings of the study provide a basis for developing training protocols for pediatric volleyball players.
