Research article - (2012)11, 727 - 735
Effects of Electrostimulation and Plyometric Training Program Combination on Jump Height in Teenage Athletes
Emilio J. Martínez-López1,, Elisa Benito-Martínez2, Fidel Hita-Contreras3, Amador Lara-Sánchez1, Antonio Martínez-Amat3
1Research Group HUM653 Laboratory, Department of Didactic of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, University of Jaén, Spain
2Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, Spain
3Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Spain

Emilio J. Martínez-López
✉ Dpto. Didáctica Musical, Plástica y Expresión Corporal, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación (D-2), Campus Las Lagunillas. 23071, Jaén, SPAIN
Email: emilioml@ujaen.es
Received: 06-08-2012 -- Accepted: 08-10-2012
Published (online): 01-12-2012

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of eight-week (2 days/week) training periods of plyometric exercises (PT) and neuromuscular electrostimulation (EMS) on jump height in young athletes. Squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) were performed to assess the effects of the training protocols 98 athletes (100 & 200m and 100m & 110m hurdles) voluntarily took part in this study, 51 males (52%) and 47 females (48%), 17.91 ± 1.42 years old, and 5.16 ± 2.56 years of training experience. The participants were randomly assigned to four different groups according to the frequency and the timing of the stimulation. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the effects of every training program on jump height. Our findings suggest that compared to control (Plyometrics (PT) only), the combination of 150Hz EMS + PT simultaneously combined in an 8 week (2days/week) training program, we could observe significant jump height improvements in the different types of strength: explosive, explosive-elastic, and explosive-elastic-reactive. The combination of PT after ≤ 85 Hz EMS did not show any jump height significant increase in sprinters. In conclusion, an eight week training program (with just two days per week) of EMS combined with plyometric exercises has proven useful for the improvement of every kind of vertical jump ability required for sprint and hurdles disciplines in teenage athletes.

Key words: Jump height, squat jump, counter movement jump, drop jump, combined training

Key Points
  • The combined use of high frequency electromyostimulation and plyometric training 2 days/week in an 8 week training program produce significant improvements in jump height in teenage athletes.
  • A high-frequency (≥ 150 Hz) EMS and its simultaneous application with PT can significantly contribute to the improvement of the three different types of strength manifestations (explosive, explosive-elastic and explosive-elastic-reactive strength).
  • An alternate training with different stimulation frequencies [85Hz EMS/ PT combination and 150Hz EMS + PT simultaneous combination] only has significant improvement effects in SJ.
  • The combination of PT after ≤ 85 Hz EMS did not show any jump height significant increase in teenage athletes.
  • The timing of EMS and PT application during training must be taken into account according to the type of jump.








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