title: A systematic review: plyometric training programs for young children.
abstract: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plyometric training for improving motor performance in young children; to determine if this type of training could be used to improve the strength, running speed, agility, and jumping ability of children with low motor competence; and to examine the extent and quality of the current research literature. Primary research articles were selected if they (a) described the outcomes of a plyometric exercise intervention; (b) included measures of strength, balance, running speed, jumping ability, or agility; (c) included prepubertal children 5-14 years of age; and (d) used a randomized control trial or quasiexperimental design. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria for the final review. The 7 studies were judged to be of low quality (values of 4-6). Plyometric training had a large effect on improving the ability to run and jump. Preliminary evidence suggests plyometric training also had a large effect on increasing kicking distance, balance, and agility. The current evidence suggests that a twice a week program for 8-10 weeks beginning at 50-60 jumps a session and increasing exercise load weekly results in the largest changes in running and jumping performance. An alternative program for children who do not have the capability or tolerance for a twice a week program would be a low-intensity program for a longer duration. The research suggests that plyometric training is safe for children when parents provide consent, children agree to participate, and safety guidelines are built into the intervention.
authors.affiliation: Movement Analysis Laboratory, Shriners Hospitals for Children Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. bajohnson@shrinenet.org
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Salzberg
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D059385:Plyometric Exercise / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology