Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if a plyometric training program can affect the latency time of the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius short-latency responses (SLRs) of the stretch reflex.
Methods: Sixteen healthy subjects (12 female and 4 male) were randomly assigned to either a control or a plyometric training group. Maximum vertical jump height (VJ) and SLRs of both quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius were measured before and after a four week plyometric training program.
Results: Plyometric training significantly increased VJ (mean+/-SEM) by 2.38+/-0.45 cm (P<0.05) and non-significantly decreased the latency time of the quadriceps femoris SLR (mean+/-SEM) 0.363+/-0.404 ms (P>0.05) and gastrocnemius SLR (mean+/-SEM) 0.392+/-0.257 ms (P>0.05). VJ results support the effectiveness of plyometric training for increasing VJ height.
Conclusions:The non-significant changes in the latency time of the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius SLRs seen in the training group suggest that performance improvements following a four-week plyometric training program are not mediated by changes in the latency time of the short-latency stretch reflex.
Journal Title
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Volume
49
Issue
1
First Page
35
Last Page
43
Recommended Citation
Potach, D. H.; Kastavelis, Dimitrios; Karst, Gregory M.; Latin, R. W.; and Stergiou, Nikolaos, "The effects of a plyometric training program on the latency time of the quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius short-latency responses" (2009). Journal Articles. 119.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/biomechanicsarticles/119
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