The effect of plyometric training on distance running performance

Spurrs, RW; Murphy, AJ; Watsford, ML

The effect of plyometric training on distance running performance

Spurrs, RW Murphy, AJ Watsford, ML

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2003, 89 (1), pp. 1 - 7
Issue Date:: 2003-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Spurrs, RW	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Murphy, AJ	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Watsford, ML https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4569-6377	en_US
dc.date.available	2002-10-08	en_US
dc.date.issued	2003-01-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2003, 89 (1), pp. 1 - 7	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1439-6319	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/4413
dc.description.abstract	Previous research has reported that plyometric training improves running economy (RE) and ultimately distance-running performance, although the exact mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. This study examined whether changes in running performance resulting from plyometric training were related to alterations in lower leg musculotendinous stiffness (MTS). Seventeen male runners were pre- and post-tested for lower leg MTS, maximum isometric force, rate of force development, 5-bound distance test (5BT), counter movement jump (CMJ) height, RE,VO2max, lactate threshold (Th1a), and 3-km time. Subjects were randomly split into an experimental (E) group which completed 6 weeks of plyometric training in conjunction with their normal running training, and a control (C) group which trained as normal. Following the training period, the E group significantly improved 3-km performance (2.7%) and RE at each of the tested velocities, while no changes in VO2max or Th1a were recorded. CMJ height, 5BT, and MTS also increased significantly. No significant changes were observed in any measures for the C group. The results clearly demonstrated that a 6-week plyometric programme led to improvements in 3-km running performance. It is postulated that the increase in MTS resulted in improved RE. We speculate that the improved RE led to changes in 3-km running performance, as there were no corresponding alterations in VO2max or Th1a.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	European Journal of Applied Physiology	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1007/s00421-002-0741-y	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Sport Sciences	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Muscle, Skeletal	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Achilles Tendon	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Humans	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Lactic Acid	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Exercise Test	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Exercise	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Task Performance and Analysis	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Oxygen Consumption	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Running	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Isometric Contraction	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Elasticity	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Stress, Mechanical	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Physical Education and Training	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Track and Field	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Physical Fitness	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Adult	en_US
dc.subject.mesh	Male	en_US
dc.title	The effect of plyometric training on distance running performance	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	89	en_US
utslib.for	110602 Exercise Physiology	en_US
utslib.for	110601 Biomechanics	en_US
utslib.for	1106 Human Movement and Sports Sciences	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Business
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health/Sports and Exercise Science
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	1	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	89	en_US

Abstract:

Previous research has reported that plyometric training improves running economy (RE) and ultimately distance-running performance, although the exact mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. This study examined whether changes in running performance resulting from plyometric training were related to alterations in lower leg musculotendinous stiffness (MTS). Seventeen male runners were pre- and post-tested for lower leg MTS, maximum isometric force, rate of force development, 5-bound distance test (5BT), counter movement jump (CMJ) height, RE,VO2max, lactate threshold (Th1a), and 3-km time. Subjects were randomly split into an experimental (E) group which completed 6 weeks of plyometric training in conjunction with their normal running training, and a control (C) group which trained as normal. Following the training period, the E group significantly improved 3-km performance (2.7%) and RE at each of the tested velocities, while no changes in VO2max or Th1a were recorded. CMJ height, 5BT, and MTS also increased significantly. No significant changes were observed in any measures for the C group. The results clearly demonstrated that a 6-week plyometric programme led to improvements in 3-km running performance. It is postulated that the increase in MTS resulted in improved RE. We speculate that the improved RE led to changes in 3-km running performance, as there were no corresponding alterations in VO2max or Th1a.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/4413