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A systematic review: plyometric training programs for young children
Barbara A Johnson1, Charles L Salzberg, David A Stevenson
1Movement Analysis Laboratory, Shriners Hospitals for Children Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. bajohnson@shrinenet.org
Insights
Plyometric training significantly enhances motor skills like running and jumping in children. This safe intervention, when implemented with proper guidelines, improves strength, agility, and balance in young individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Sports Medicine
- Motor Development
Background:
- Motor performance is crucial for children's physical development and participation in sports.
- Low motor competence in childhood can impact physical activity levels and long-term health.
- Plyometric training, characterized by explosive movements, is increasingly explored for youth athletic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy and safety of plyometric training for improving motor performance in young children (5-14 years).
- To assess plyometric training's impact on strength, running speed, agility, and jumping ability in children with low motor competence.
- To evaluate the quality and extent of existing research on plyometric training in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of primary research articles using randomized control trial or quasiexperimental designs.
- Inclusion criteria focused on plyometric interventions, motor performance measures (strength, balance, speed, agility, jumping), and prepubertal children (5-14 years).
- Seven studies met the criteria, with quality assessments indicating low to moderate rigor.
Main Results:
- Plyometric training demonstrated a large effect on improving running and jumping abilities.
- Preliminary evidence indicated large effects on kicking distance, balance, and agility.
- Optimal training frequency appears to be twice weekly for 8-10 weeks, with progressive overload.
Conclusions:
- Plyometric training is an effective method for enhancing key motor skills in young children.
- A structured, safe plyometric program can improve strength, speed, agility, and jumping performance.
- Further high-quality research is needed, but current evidence supports plyometric training's safety and benefits for youth.
Abstract:
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of plyometric training for improving motor performance in young children; to determine if this type of training could be used to improve the strength, running speed, agility, and jumping ability of children with low motor competence; and to examine the extent and quality of the current research literature. Primary research articles were selected if they (a) described the outcomes of a plyometric exercise intervention; (b) included measures of strength, balance, running speed, jumping ability, or agility; (c) included prepubertal children 5-14 years of age; and (d) used a randomized control trial or quasiexperimental design. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria for the final review. The 7 studies were judged to be of low quality (values of 4-6). Plyometric training had a large effect on improving the ability to run and jump. Preliminary evidence suggests plyometric training also had a large effect on increasing kicking distance, balance, and agility. The current evidence suggests that a twice a week program for 8-10 weeks beginning at 50-60 jumps a session and increasing exercise load weekly results in the largest changes in running and jumping performance. An alternative program for children who do not have the capability or tolerance for a twice a week program would be a low-intensity program for a longer duration. The research suggests that plyometric training is safe for children when parents provide consent, children agree to participate, and safety guidelines are built into the intervention.
