Talofa Samoa and welcome back to your weekly Physiotherapy column. Today’s column is taken from Precision Physio Australia and briefly covers the topic of Plyometric training; enjoy!

Plyometric training involves performing explosive, powerful movements. Significant force development is required in a minimal period to allow explosive movements to be executed. When performing plyometric training or “plyos”, predominantly lower limb muscles are trained and under great tension and force.

Vertical jumping is a vital component of explosive performance, which is required when performing countless athletic movement patterns. Jumping performance is pivotal when executing numerous explosive skills requiring high force output, such as rebounding in basketball, heading in football, and serving in tennis.

Implementing exercises that closely mimic movement patterns required within specific sports are encouraged to be performed.

Plyometric exercises

Plyometric exercises are extremely beneficial in enhancing explosive performance, which may lead to an athlete gaining a competitive advantage over their opposition.

Plyometrics are not only beneficial if trying to improve vertical jump height or performing a sport-specific movement. They also allow for lower limb musculature to adapt to greater forces and load and beneficially enhance force absorption and force attenuating capacity.

Improvements in power achieved from performing plyos can directly translate to improved performance and give an athlete a competitive advantage over their opposition.

 Benefits of combining Plyometrics with other exercises

 A commonly asked question is whether implementing plyometric exercises along with other types of exercise is beneficial or detrimental. So, here goes… 

1- Resistance Training

Implementing both plyometric and resistance exercises is recommended to enhance and maximise both muscular strength and power. A combination of plyometric training and weight training has been seen to be most beneficial in improving vertical jump height (Fatouros et al. 2000).

2 – Cardiorespiratory Exercise

Performing plyometric exercises can lead to improvements in aerobic exercise performance. Greater force attenuating capacity, and enhancements in lower limb strength, power, and agility will positively influence gait and movement patterning e.g. hip flexion and ankle plantarflexion.

Improved movement pattern efficiency can benefit aerobic performance through decreased physical fatigue.

When are Plyometric exercises most commonly prescribed?

Implementing sport or movement-specific plyos can be extremely beneficial in enhancing the efficiency of movement patterns and decreasing energy expenditure. Limiting energy expenditure and increasing movement pattern efficiency is vital, particularly in sports settings to reduce physical fatigue, and maximise performance.

Plyometric exercises are commonly implemented in a rehabilitative setting, specifically when an individual/athlete is required to return to movement patterns that involve greater impact and require increased absorption of forces.

Performing a graded, gradual exercise program when returning to sport is vital to enhance a smooth transition back to exercise/sport and reduce the risk of re-injury.

Precautions when performing Plyometric exercises

Be cautious when implementing plyometrics’ into your workout routine if you have minimal training experience, or have any injuries or chronic conditions. Consider the following factors before implementing these exercises into your training regime.

1 – Gradual Implementation

Plyometric exercises require strong, durable ligaments and tendons as they can cause significant stress to joints. Gradual implementation and progression are of vital importance, therefore it is recommended to initially perform less complicated, lower-intensity exercises and progress accordingly.

As plyos involve significant force exertion, it is often recommended to perform 3 sets of 6-8 repetitions initially. Sets and reps can be gradually increased as familiarity and efficiency of movement patterns improve, ensuring the adequate form is sustained.

2 – Adequate Rest Periods

When performing plyometric exercises, ensure adequate rest periods between sets are implemented to maintain form and allow adequate muscle recovery.

Rest periods of ~1-2 minutes should be implemented when first undertaking plyos, with rest periods, gradually decreasing to 1 minute with increased efficiency and familiarity of movement achieved.

3 – Form is Vital

It is often beneficial to record the plyometric exercises to assess movement patterns and identify compensations that may be present. Assessing form and implementing slight modifications to form will enhance force absorption and landing mechanics. 

Compensations are more likely to occur when fatigue is onset, leading to increased injury risk. Therefore, adequate form is required when performing plyos to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Try implementing these Plyometric exercises into your training

Here are four effective plyometric exercises to incorporate into your training protocol.

Countermovement Jump

Start by placing your feet shoulder-width apart with hands on hips. Slowly bend your knees and lower down into a squat position, a 90-degree angle is ideal.

Perform an explosive jump and keep your hand on your hips throughout the movement. Execute a controlled landing with feet shoulder-width apart, and lower back down to a squatting position.

Front Box Jump

Place feet at shoulder’s width apart and slowly lower into a squat position. Perform an explosive jump by activating the glute, quadriceps, and calf musculature.

Execute a controlled landing in a half squat position by absorbing contact through bilateral knee flexion and ensure feet are placed at shoulder’s width apart.

Askips

Start by placing your feet shoulder-width apart. Simultaneously perform 3 explosive alternating knee drives with calf raises in a sequence.

Continue to perform the movement with minimal rest periods for a total of 12-20 repetitions (6-10 on each side).

Lateral Bounds

Start by standing on one leg in a half-squat position.

Perform an explosive lateral jump in the direction of the non-planted leg.

Execute a controlled landing in a single-leg half-squat position with adequate force absorption. Ensure the knee and foot are aligned on the landing leg. Once confident with form, gradually increase lateral jump distance.

• The author is a physiotherapist and can be contacted by telephone 28303 at Alec’s Health Specialist Centre should you need more information.