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The optimal training load for the development of dynamic athletic performance
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1993
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Physical ActivityStrength TrainingKinesiologyMechanical Power OutputExercisePhysical ExerciseApplied PhysiologySport PhysiologySport ScienceHealth SciencesPhysical FitnessRehabilitationExercise SciencePerformance StudiesHigh-performance SportExercise PhysiologyExplosive Weight TrainingTraining ModalitiesOptimal Training LoadHuman MovementAthletic TrainingDynamic Athletic Performance
The study aimed to identify which of three theoretically optimal resistance training modalities—traditional weight training, plyometric training, or explosive weight training at the load maximizing mechanical power—yielded the greatest improvement in dynamic athletic performance. Sixty‑four trained participants were randomly assigned to one of the three training groups or a control group and completed a 10‑week program of heavy squat lifts, depth jumps, or weighted squat jumps, with performance assessed before training, after 5 weeks, and after 10 weeks on sprint, vertical jump, cycling, isokinetic, and isometric tests. The explosive weight‑training group trained at the power‑maximizing load achieved the largest overall gains, showing statistically significant improvements on most measures and outperforming the other modalities on jumping and isokinetic tests.
This study was performed to determine which of three theoretically optimal resistance training modalities resulted in the greatest enhancement in the performance of a series of dynamic athletic activities. The three training modalities included 1) traditional weight training, 2) plyometric training, and 3) explosive weight training at the load that maximized mechanical power output. Sixty-four previously trained subjects were randomly allocated to four groups that included the above three training modalities and a control group. The experimental groups trained for 10 wk performing either heavy squat lifts, depth jumps, or weighted squat jumps. All subjects were tested prior to training, after 5 wk of training and at the completion of the training period. The test items included 1) 30-m sprint, 2) vertical jumps performed with and without a countermovement, 3) maximal cycle test, 4) isokinetic leg extension test, and 5) a maximal isometric test. The experimental group which trained with the load that maximized mechanical power achieved the best overall results in enhancing dynamic athletic performance recording statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements on most test items and producing statistically superior results to the two other training modalities on the jumping and isokinetic tests.