The Impact of Plyometric Resistance Training Implemented During the European Championship Preparation on Athletic Performance: A Case Study of the Youth Boxing National Team

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of plyometric resistance training applied to the Turkish National Junior Men's Boxing Team during the European Championship preparation process. A total of 14 athletes from the Turkish National Junior Men's Boxing Team volunteered to participate in the study. The average age of the boxers was 17.57±1.04 years, the average height was 172.28±5.7 cm, the average weight was 72.14±2.9 kg, and the average body fat percentage was 20.47±1.15%. Participants engaged in a plyometric resistance training program prepared and scheduled by the researchers throughout the preparation camp. Various physical and biomotor parameters of all boxers (weight, BMI, body fat percentage, Squat, vertical jump, reaction time, grip strength, 5-meter speed, 10-meter speed, 40-meter speed, flexibility included) were measured at the beginning and end of the camp. Statistical analyses of all data were performed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical package program. Normal distribution analyses were conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk Test. Wilcoxon Test was used for the pre-test and post-test comparison of Body Mass Index and weight values, while the paired T-test statistic was used for the pre-test and post-test comparison of body fat percentage, Squat, vertical jump, reaction time, grip strength, 5-meter speed, 10-meter speed, 40-meter speed, and flexibility values. A significance value of p < 0.05 was accepted. Statistically significant changes were observed between pre- and post-camp changes. In conclusion, we suggest that a well-designed plyometric resistance training program may positively contribute to the physical and biomotor parameters of national junior male boxers before an important tournament during a preparation camp.