The Effect of 6 Weeks of Plyometric Training on Strength, Balance, and Cognitive Performance in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a 6-week plyometric training program on strength, balance, and cognitive performance in adolescent female volleyball players. The study included 20 adolescent female volleyball players in two groups: an experimental group (n=10; Age: 16.30±1.05; Height: 159.8±3.801; Body Weight: 55.70±10.22) and a control group (n=10 Age: 16.40±0.96; Height: 159.4±3.68; Body Weight: 52.50±8.64). Physical performance parameters evaluated were long jump, jumping, and dynamic balance; cognitive performance parameters were assessed using the Corsi Block Test and the Human Benchmark Test. A Linear Mixed Model method was used for data analysis. The findings showed a significant group effect in long jump performance (p<0.05), while the group×time interaction was not significant (p>0.05). In jumping performance, the time effect and group×time interaction were significant, with the experimental group's final test performance being higher than the control group's (p<0.05). The significant group, time, and group×time interactions in dynamic balance performance indicated that plyometric training positively contributed to balance development (p<0.05). When examining cognitive performance results, no significant change was found in Corsi block test performance (p>0.05). However, the Human Benchmark test results showed significant group effects and group×time interaction. These findings suggest that plyometric training may have positive effects on reaction time performance(p<.05). In conclusion, it was determined that a 6-week plyometric training program had positive effects on jumping performance, dynamic balance, and some cognitive performance parameters in adolescent female volleyball players. The findings support the importance of evaluating physical and cognitive development together in young athletes and show that plyometric training can be used as an effective method in training planning.