Effects of plyometric and strength training on the physical fitness attributes of male adolescent team sports athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the effects of plyometric training (PT) and strength training (ST) on the physical attributes of male adolescent team sports athletes, and further analyze the moderating variables that may have a potential impact on training effectiveness. METHODS: This study searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and SPORTDiscus databases from the establishment of the databases to August 28, 2024. To determine a randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of ST and PT on the physical fitness attributes (0-10 m accelerate speed, linear sprint speed, change-of-direction speed, vertical jump, horizontal jump and muscle strength) of male adolescent team sports athletes. The risk of bias was evaluated using the latest version of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Meta-analysis used the random effects model in Stata 15.0. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the characteristics of the participants (age, height and weight) and the variables of the training program (training duration, training frequency, number of sets, total sessions, repetitions, rest between sets, mean session duration). RESULTS: A total of 69 studies were included, involving 2051 male adolescent team sports athletes. Meta-analysis indicates that both PT and ST have significant but varying effects on male adolescent team sports athletes. Specifically, they showed small to moderate improvements in 0-10 m acceleration (PT, ES: -0.60, moderate; ST, ES: -0.71, moderate), linear sprint speed (PT, ES: -0.56, small; ST, ES: -0.41, small), change-of-direction speed (PT, ES: -0.79, moderate; ST, ES: -0.92, moderate), vertical jump (PT, ES: 0.86, moderate; ST, ES: 0.58, small), and horizontal jump (PT, ES: 0.68, moderate; ST, ES: 0.61, moderate). ST notably impacts (ES: 1.49, large) muscle strength, whereas PT does not have a significant effect. Subgroup analysis of PT shows that the training program with sets (≥ 6 sets, for 0-10 m accelerate speed; ≥ 4 sets, for vertical jump), total sessions (≥ 16 sessions, for 0-10 m accelerate speed and for change-of-direction speed; ≥ 13sessions, for horizontal jump), frequency (> 2 sessions per week, for linear sprint speed), rest between sets (< 90 s, for linear sprint speed), or repetitions (≥ 9 repetitions, for horizontal jump) were more effective; The effect was better for those who are older (16-18 years) (for 0-10 m acceleration, and change-of-direction) and taller (≥ 171 cm) (for 0-10 m acceleration). Subgroup analysis of ST indicated that the training duration was shorter (≤ 8 weeks, for 0-10 m accelerate speed and for muscle strength), and repetitions was higher (> 6 repetitions, for 0-10 m accelerate speed), shorter rest between sets (≤ 120 s, for 0-10 m accelerate speed), longer rest between sets (≥ 120 s, for change-of-direction speed), the mean session duration was relatively short (≤ 45 min, for vertical jump; < 90 min, for horizontal jump), the duration was longer (> 8 weeks, for horizontal jump), or have shorter total sessions (≤ 16 sessions for muscle strength) were more effective; The effect was better at younger ages (10-12.99 years) (for horizontal jump and linear sprint speed) and lower heights (< 175 cm) (for horizontal jump). CONCLUSIONS: ST and PT can effectively improve the 0-10 m accelerate speed, linear sprint speed, vertical jump, horizontal jump and change-of-direction speed of male teenage team athletes. For muscle strength, only ST has an impact. PT with a larger number of sets, a greater number of total sessions, a lower training frequency or shorter rest between sets has a better effect. Older and taller athletes have better adaptability to PT. ST with a shorter training duration, more repetitions, longer rests between sets, a shorter mean session duration or a shorter number of total training sessions has better results. Younger and shorter athletes have better adaptability to strength training. To optimize athletic performance, coaches should consider both the characteristics of the training plan and the dynamic physiological changes during adolescence, particularly age and maturity.