A Theoretical Review of Lower Body Plyometric Training and the Appropriateness for Inclusion in Athletic Conditioning Programs

Specificity of training is considered to be a fundamental component of any detailed goal oriented conditioning program. Whether one is training to improve functional ability, rehabilitate a musculoskeletal injury, or develop sport specific physiological attributes, the specific nature of the prescribed training regimen, and the exercises contained within, will dictate the magnitude of the adaptive response expressed at the myofibril level. When preparing to develop and enhance an athlete’s capacity to execute movement skills and physical attributes positively correlated to successful athletic performance, the athlete must participate in a conditioning program that is specific to the demands of their particular athletic event. It is widely accepted that jumping ability constitutes an integral component of explosive performance (2). It has also been stated that as competition and performance enhancement motivation levels increase, activity and sport specific movement patterns require increased power, agility and speed (6). Potteiger et al report that explosive leg power and vertical jump height are critical components of successful performance in many different athletic events (8). A substantial volume of critically reviewed published research support the relationship between lower body strength and power and the successful execution of sport specific movement patterns and performance success. As this relationship becomes increasingly understood in the lab and on the field, the question most commonly asked by athletes and strength coaches is, how does one improve their ability to develop enhanced lower body strength and power capabilities? Plyometric training has been advocated for athletes participating in sports that require explosiveness, high power outputs, and increased vertical jumping ability (2,4). It is reported that the neuromuscular adaptations generated through this type of training are specific to the force producing characteristics of the eccentric / concentric muscle action (3). More specifically, a review of the literature reveals that lower body plyometric exercises are appropriate for virtually any athlete participating in any sport that includes throwing, or sprinting; track and field, soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, football, and baseball (7). The purpose of this investigation is to present a thorough review of the published literature concerning lower body plyometric exercise. This review will attempt to provide a widely accepted definition of plyometric exercise, a review of the reported neuromuscular response within the, and contributions of, the Stretch Shortening Cycle, a biomechanical analysis identifying, isolating, and justifying ideal joint / limb segment positioning associated with proper technique and lower extremity injury prevention, a review of the suggested progressions to be applied in a conditioning program following the overload principle, and a brief discussion regarding the practical applications. In efforts of limiting the length of this review, the biomechanical analysis will be inclusive to lower body plyometric exercises.