Isokinetics and Exercise Science - Volume 30, issue 1
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Isokinetics and Exercise Science (IES) is an international journal devoted to the study of theoretical and applied aspects of human muscle performance. Since isokinetic dynamometry constitutes the major tool in this area, the journal takes a particular interest in exploring the considerable potential of this technology.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science publishes studies associated with the methodology of muscle performance especially with respect to the issues of reproducibility and validity of testing, description of normal and pathological mechanical parameters which are derivable from muscle testing, applications in basic research topics such as motor learning paradigms and electromyography. The journal also publishes studies on applications in clinical settings and technical aspects of the various measurement systems employed in human muscle performance research.
Isokinetics and Exercise Science welcomes submissions in the form of research papers, reviews, case studies and technical reports from professionals in the fields of sports medicine, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation and exercise physiology.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Reactive performance is an important component of rhythmic gymnastics. So far, it is unclear whether additional plyometric training in female gymnasts shows an increase in performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of additional plyometric training in rhythmic gymnastics on the reactive jumping performance and strength of the lower leg muscles. METHODS: Fifteen rhythmic gymnasts (age: 12.3 ± 2.6 years, height: 1.47 ± 0.12 m, body weight: 37.3 ± 9.3 kg, BMI: 16.7 ± 2.1…kg*m - 2 ; competition level: national and international championships, Tanner stages I–III) participated in the study. The athletes were assigned to an experimental (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG performed plyometric exercises three times per week in addition to the regular training. Before and after six weeks of training the reactive jump performance, the work of dorsi flexors and plantar flexors performed during isokinetic plantarflexion, as well as the performance in two sport-specific tests were measured. RESULTS: In contrast to the CG, in the EG the jump height (pre: 24.8; post: 27.25 cm; p < 0.05) and the reactive-strength-index (pre: 1.01; post: 1.19; p < 0.01) increased significantly. The EG achieved significant improvements in the counter movement jump test (pre: 27.0 cm; post: 31.5 cm; p < 0.01) and in the sport specific double rope jump test (jumps per minute, pre: 18.0; post: 23.0; p < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant increase in work performed during plantarflexion was found in the EG for the right leg (pre: 24.9 J; post: 29.7 J; p < 0.01) and a tendency to increase for the left leg (pre: 26.4 J; post: 37.7 J; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both reactive strength and dynamic force can be efficiently increased by plyometric training. It may be recommended to include plyometric exercises in the training regime of rhythmic gymnasts.
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Keywords: Plyometric exercise, jumping, reactive strength, drop jump