Effects of brief periods of combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training on the fitness performance of male U17 handball players

This study examined the effects of 8-week combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training (combined training) on the performance fitness in male U17 handball players. Participants were randomly divided between experimental (E; n = 15; age: 16.5 +/- 0.4 years) and control (C; n = 13; age: 16.7 +/- 0.3 years) groups. The E group performed combined training (4 workshops) twice a week over 8 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 35 min. The C maintained regular in-season training. Before and after the combined training, both groups underwent repeated sprint ability (RSA), sprint performance (5m, 10m, 20m and 30m), change of direction test (Modified change-of-direction T-test (T-half)), vertical jump (squat jump (SJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ), counter-movement jump with aimed arms (CMJA)), horizontal jump (five-jump test (5JT)), strength (1-RM half squat), and 20-meter shuttle run. Group x time interaction showed significant increases on sprint performance (p < 0.01, 8.6%; p < 0.001, 7.3%; p < 0.05, 6.9%; and p < 0.01, 8.9% over distances of 5m, 10m, 20m and 30m respectively) in E relative to C. The T-half also showed significant gains for E (p < 0.05, 6.8%), as did vertical jumping (p < 0.01, 32.7%; p < 0.001, 32.6% and p < 0.001, 23% for SJ, CMJ and CMJA respectively) and horizontal jumping (p < 0.05, 13.3%) compared to C. Moreover, there were significant improvements of RSA and 20 m shuttle run in E compared to C. However, there were no significant differences in 1-RM half squat between groups. We conclude that the allocation of short periods of a combined training is effective in enhancing performance fitness and thus can be commended to male U17 Handball participants as a potentially useful component of their training.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of an 8-week combined plyometric exercise and high intensity running training on the performance fitness of male U17 handball players. The results showed significant improvements in sprint performance, change of direction, vertical jumping, horizontal jumping, repeated sprint ability, and shuttle run in the experimental group compared to the control group.