Evaluation of plyometrics, weight training and their combination on angular velocity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of six weeks of plyometric training, weight and their combination on angular velocity during a 60-second test cycle ergometer. Based on their training, forty-eight male college students were divided into four groups: a plyometric group (n=13), a weight group (n=11), a plyometric plus weight group (n=14), and a control group (n=10). The angular velocity was measured by a 15 and 60-second cycle ergometer test before and after a six-week period. Subjects in each of the groups trained two days per week, whereas the control subjects did not participate in any activity. The data was analyzed by a one-way analysis of variance (repeated- measures design). The results showed that all the treatments elicited significant (P<0.05) improvement in angular velocity. However, the combination group showed signs of improvement in the angular velocity that was significantly greater than the improvement of the other two groups (plyometric and weight training). It was concluded that a combination of traditional weight and plyometric drills training enhance angular velocity production in cycling. Therefore, complex may help improve performance in sprint cycling that requires angular velocity, angular acceleration and power.