Relationships between three potentiation effects of plyometric training and performance.
This study measured the potentiation effects of plyometric training [normalized electromyography (EMG) in triceps surae, stiffness and elastic energy utilization of the Achilles tendon] and investigated the correlations between these effects and performances [voluntary electromechanical delay (EMD) and jump height]. Twenty-one subjects were randomly assigned either to the control group (10 subjects: age 22.3+/-1.6 years) or to a training group (11 subjects: age 22.1+/-1.6 years) that performed 8 weeks of plyometric training.


RESULTS
As compared with the performances before training, normalized EMG in the soleus were significantly (P<or=0.001) increased after 4 and 8 weeks of training. Tendon stiffness, elastic energy storage, release and jump height determined after training were significantly increased (P<0.05), with a concomitantly reduced voluntary EMD (P=0.01). These variables also showed significant differences vs the control group (all P<0.05). The other variables remained unchanged. Correlations were observed between tendon stiffness and either voluntary EMD (r=-0. 77, P=0.014) or jump height (r=0.54, P=0.031).


CONCLUSIONS
Plyometric training specifically potentiated the normalized EMG, tendon stiffness and elastic energy utilization in the myotendinous complex of the triceps surae. Although these changes are possibly essential determinants, only increases of tendon stiffness were observed to correlate with performance improvements.
Wu
Y-K
YK
School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan, ROC.
Lien
Y-H
YH
Lin
K-H
KH
Shih
T T-F
TT
Wang
T-G
TG
Wang
H-K
HK
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000502:physiology; D004548:Elasticity; D004576:Electromyography; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult