Contrac Plyometric Training Essay

Introduction The purpose of high performance training is to produce peak levels of muscle mass, strength, and power with the ability to transition these elements to speed and efficiency for a specific sport. Four types of performance training commonly used include: resistance, eccentric, isokinetic, and plyometric exercise (Joyce & Lewindon, 2014). These can be further categorized into aerobic or anaerobic power training strategies. These types of training will be the focus for strategies and outcomes of high performance training methods. Plyometric training involves explosive movements, transitioning from eccentric to concentric muscle contractions, and focuses on power development. Eccentric training focuses on the muscle lengthening aspect and less energy to produce work; results in more efficient strength building compared to concentric training. Isokinetic training combines isometric and isotonic contractions through constant muscular movement generated by an exercise machine. The benefits include increases in maximum strength output (Dolezal, Frese, Llewellyn, 2016). Resistance training requires skeletal muscle to forcefully …show more content…
The physiological changes that occur because of this training can determine relative strength, speed, and power specific to an individual’s sport (Kale, 2016). A plyometric training study of 19 women handball athletes focused on a 6-week pre-season program that highlighted progression in sprint, jump, anaerobic power, and aerobic endurance. Significant results from this study showed an increase in HR, VO2 max, and all 4 plyometric tests. This type of training was advantageous for handball athletes because of strength translation to sport, specificity, and adequate sport periodization (Kale, 2016). Reviewing the methods and results of this study results in accurate classification of sufficient high performance training strategies and