Children's Sprint and Jump Performance after Plyometric-Jump Training: A Systematic Review

The effect of plyometric jump training on children's jump and sprint performance remains unclear. To explore the effects of PJT on jump and sprint performance in children and to further analyze the influence of participant characteristics and training variables. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus databases. The included studies (n = 17) involved 587 children, with study sample sizes ranging from 9 to 44 participants. Overall, PJT improved children's vertical jump performance involving squat jump and countermovement jump (ES = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41-1.16, I² = 63%, p < 0.01; n = 474), standing long jump performance (ES = 0.56, CI = 0.3-0.83, I² = 26%, p < 0.0001; n = 414), and sprint performance involving 5 m to 30 m distances (ES = -0.41, CI = -0.61 to -0.22, I² = 0%, p < 0.01; n = 424). Subgroup analysis showed non-tapering strategies (ES = 0.92, n = 88) resulted in significant difference than tapering strategies (ES = 0.37, n = 336 np = 0.01). Meta-regression showed a positive correlation between the total number of training sessions and standing long jump performance improvement (p = 0.03). Two studies have a high risk of bias (RoB), and 15 studies have a moderate RoB (some concerns). The GRADE assessment indicated a very low to low robustness of the evidence. In conclusion, PJT can improve children's jump and sprint performance. Increasing the number of training sessions may lead to better standing long jump results. However, the low to very-low robustness of the currently available evidence precludes recommendations regarding PJT for improving children's neuromuscular performance.