@article{RamirezCampilloAlvarezGarciaPinillosetal.2018, author = {Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Alvarez, Cristian and Garcia-Pinillos, Felipe and Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier and Yanci, Javier and Castillo, Daniel and Loturco, Irineu and Chaabene, Helmi and Moran, Jason and Izquierdo, Mikel}, title = {Optimal reactive strength index}, series = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, volume = {32}, journal = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, number = {4}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {1064-8011}, doi = {10.1519/JSC.0000000000002467}, pages = {885 -- 893}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, Garc{\´i}a-Pinillos, F, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Yanci, J, Castillo, D, Loturco, I, Chaabene, H, Moran, J, and Izquierdo, M. Optimal reactive strength index: is it an accurate variable to optimize plyometric training effects on measures of physical fitness in young soccer players? J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 885-893, 2018—This study aimed to compare the effects of drop-jump training using a fixed drop-box height (i.e., 30-cm [FIXED]) vs. an optimal (OPT) drop-box height (i.e., 10-cm to 40-cm: generating an OPT reactive strength index [RSI]) in youth soccer players' physical fitness. Athletes were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 24; age = 13.7 years), a fixed drop-box height group (FIXED, n = 25; age = 13.9 years), or an OPT drop-box height group (OPT, n = 24; age = 13.1 years). Before and after 7 weeks of training, tests for the assessment of jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], 5 multiple bounds), speed (20-m sprint time), change of direction ability (CODA [Illinois test]), strength {RSI and 5 maximal squat repetition test (5 repetition maximum [RM])}, endurance (2.4-km time trial), and kicking ability (maximal kicking distance) were undertaken. Analyses revealed main effects of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001, d = 0.24-0.72), except for 20-m sprint time. Analyses also revealed group × time interactions for CMJ (p < 0.001, d = 0.51), depth jump (DJ) (p < 0.001, d = 0.30), 20-m sprint time (p < 0.001, d = 0.25), CODA (p < 0.001, d = 0.22), and 5RM (p < 0.01, d = 0.16). Post hoc analyses revealed increases for the FIXED group (CMJ: 7.4\%, d = 0.36; DJ: 19.2\%, d = 0.49; CODA: -3.1\%, d = -0.21; 5RM: 10.5\%, d = 0.32) and the OPT group (CMJ: 16.7\%, d = 0.76; DJ: 36.1\%, d = 0.79; CODA: -4.4\%, d = -0.34; 5RM: 18.1\%, d = 0.47). Post hoc analyses also revealed increases for the OPT group in 20-m sprint time (-3.7\%, d = 0.27). Therefore, to maximize the effects of plyometric training, an OPT approach is recommended. However, using adequate fixed drop-box heights may provide a rational and practical alternative.}, language = {en} } @misc{RamirezCampilloAlvarezGarciaHermosoetal.2018, author = {Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Alvarez, Cristian and Garcia-Hermoso, Antonio and Ramirez-Velez, Robinson and Gentil, Paulo and Asadi, Abbas and Chaabene, Helmi and Moran, Jason and Meylan, Cesar and Garcia-de-Alcaraz, Antonio and Sanchez-Sanchez, Javier and Nakamura, Fabio Y. and Granacher, Urs and Kraemer, William and Izquierdo, Mikel}, title = {Methodological characteristics and future directions for plyometric jump training research}, series = {Sports medicine}, volume = {48}, journal = {Sports medicine}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Northcote}, issn = {0112-1642}, doi = {10.1007/s40279-018-0870-z}, pages = {1059 -- 1081}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Recently, there has been a proliferation of published articles on the effect of plyometric jump training, including several review articles and meta-analyses. However, these types of research articles are generally of narrow scope. Furthermore, methodological limitations among studies (e.g., a lack of active/passive control groups) prevent the generalization of results, and these factors need to be addressed by researchers. On that basis, the aims of this scoping review were to (1) characterize the main elements of plyometric jump training studies (e.g., training protocols) and (2) provide future directions for research. From 648 potentially relevant articles, 242 were eligible for inclusion in this review. The main issues identified related to an insufficient number of studies conducted in females, youths, and individual sports (~ 24.0, ~ 37.0, and ~ 12.0\% of overall studies, respectively); insufficient reporting of effect size values and training prescription (~ 34.0 and ~ 55.0\% of overall studies, respectively); and studies missing an active/passive control group and randomization (~ 40.0 and ~ 20.0\% of overall studies, respectively). Furthermore, plyometric jump training was often combined with other training methods and added to participants' daily training routines (~ 47.0 and ~ 39.0\% of overall studies, respectively), thus distorting conclusions on its independent effects. Additionally, most studies lasted no longer than 7 weeks. In future, researchers are advised to conduct plyometric training studies of high methodological quality (e.g., randomized controlled trials). More research is needed in females, youth, and individual sports. Finally, the identification of specific dose-response relationships following plyometric training is needed to specifically tailor intervention programs, particularly in the long term.}, language = {en} }