The Effects of Complex Training in Male High School Athletes on the Back Squat and Vertical Jump
Year: 2017
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Lower body muscular strength and power output are fundamental requirements for individuals seeking success in competitive athletics. The optimal resistance training protocol for improving the aforementioned attributes for high school aged male athletes is a topic of ongoing research. Purpose: This study focused on a sample of high school male athletes and examined the effects of two resistance training protocols that differed only in that one experimental group used a complex training protocol. Methods: High school male athletes (n=38; 15-18 years) were separated into two groups (RTG-resistance training group and CTG-complex training group) via a randomized matched pair design based on initial 1-RM back squat (BS) ability. Both experimental groups employed linear periodization models with respect to the BS over a 6-week resistance training intervention period with auxiliary lower body resistance training exercises (leg extensions, hamstring curls, calf raises, etc.) and volume held equal between the study groups. Additionally, the CTG performed box jumps following the BS. Dependent variables (i.e., the 1-RM BS and the vertical jump (VJ)) were collected pre and post the study intervention period. Dependent t-tests were used to compare the BS and VJ scores from pre to post study within experimental groups. Results: Both the RTG and CTG improved their lower body leg strength as measured by the 1-RM BS (p<0.01). However, only the CTG improved from pre to post study intervention for the VJ (p<0.01). Discussion: The results of this study are consistent with previous literature in that lower body strength and power will increase when pairing both the BS and explosive, ballistic type exercises in a RT protocol known as CT. Conclusion: Within the parameters of this study, CT improves both muscular strength and power output in male high school athletes.
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2605165763