Magister Artium (Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science) - MA(SRES) / Rugby games are characterised by intense bursts of speed mainly executed by backline players at either maximum or sub-maximum velocities over distances of up to 70 meters. Other key features of the game include rapid directional changes, displays of power and other dynamic activities such as lifting and jumping in the lineouts, tackling, pushing in scrums and contesting for the ball. These bouts of intense physical activity constitute a major part of the game, which take place over a period of 80 minutes and in some instances even longer. These powerful spells of play are interspersed by brief periods of rest mainly due to stoppages called by the referees when rules are infringed, when the ball is out of play, or when players incur injuries. These breaks can also be due to play being reviewed by match officials. It is quite evident from the aforementioned that speed, agility and power are essential performance components for any rugby player and, with an increased focus on mobility and speed in the modern game, the importance of these components has increased in significance. Coaches are consequently continuously searching for training and coaching techniques that will maximally develop these qualities to give their teams an advantage over their opponents. Both line sprinting and plyometric training have proven to have beneficial effects on speed and power output. However, there is a dearth of research information on which one of the two approaches is the most beneficial. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine which training regime, line sprinting or plyometric training, brings about the biggest improvement in the speed, lower body power output, agility and speed of intermediate rugby players. This study employed a quasi-experimental research design, as it did not include a control group. Participants included 22 rugby players participating at club level, aged 18-25 years, with training sessions on at least three days of the week and a league or friendly match once a week. The players were randomly placed in either the line sprinting group or the plyometric training group (11 players per group). Participants were informed of the possible experimental risks of the study. All participants were required to complete a health questionnaire to ensure no chronic illnesses or major signs and symptoms suggestive of coronary artery or pulmonary disease were present in anyone taking part in the study. Participants took part in either sprint or plyometric training twice a day, with at least one day of rest in between training days. Participants were assessed on their speed, speed endurance, agility and power components pre -and post the eight-week intervention period. For the speed tests done before and after the intervention programme, participants performed maximal sprints over 40- and 80-metre distances. For agility, the T-test was used, and for power, the standing long jump. The research received ethics clearance from the University of the Western Cape’s Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Reference Number: BM17/1/17). After the eight-week intervention programme, the line sprinting group improved significantly in their performances for three of the four performance measures. The only measure that did not improve significantly was the 80m sprint. The plyometric group on the other hand showed improvements in two categories only - agility and the standing long jump – while no significant improvements were found in any of the sprint distances. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that both line sprinting and plyometric training regimes are effective in improving agility and leg power and that line sprinting performed over 10, 20, 40 and 100 metres is an effective training protocol to improve 40m sprint time. Neither the line sprinting nor the plyometric training resulted in significant improvements over the 80-m distance. A comparison of the effect sizes of the two training methods revealed that except for the improvement in agility of the plyometric training group, the speed, power and sprint endurance training benefits of these two training methods do not differ.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to investigate skeletal muscle changes induced by an acute bout of plyometric exercise before and after plyometric training. The study consisted of an acute study and training intervention study. The acute study, investigated whether direct evidence of ultrastructural damage and identification of indirect factors were more evident in subjects presenting with rhabdomyolysis. Moreover the training intervention study investigated whether plyometric training would protect the muscle from ultrastructural damage and rhabdomyolysis. During the acute intervention, twenty six healthy untrained individuals completed an acute bout of plyometric exercise (10 x 10 squat-jumps, 1 min rest). After, thirteen subjects continued with the training intervention. Eight of these subjects completed 8 weeks of plyometric jump training, while five subjects were instructed to rest from physical activity for 8 weeks. Seven days after the final training session the training and rest group repeated a second acute bout of plyometric exercise. Acute Study: Creatine kinase (CK) activity increased significantly following the single bout of plyometric exercise in all subjects (baseline: 129 to day 4: 5348 U/l). This was accompanied by an increase in perceived pain, C-reactive protein (CRP) a marker of inflammation as well as white blood cells (WBCs). Electron micrographs of muscle biopsies taken 3 days post exercise showed evidence of ultrasructural damage and membrane damage was apparent by immunofluorescence by the loss of dystrophin staining. A stretch of the c-terminus of titin was observed by immunogold, and western blot analysis indicated an increase in calpain-3 autolysis. Based on individual CK responses (CK range: 153-71,024 U/L at 4days after exercise) the twenty six subjects were divided into two groups, namely the high (n=10) and low responders (n=16). Training intervention: Following training the trained group did not experience: a rise of CK activity (110.0 U/l), perceived pain, CRP, WBCs, Z-line streaming, a stretch of titin or calpain-3 activation; while in the control group only two subjects presented with Z-line streaming. The results indicate that high responders have a more pronounced inflammatory response compared to low responders after eccentric exercise, therefore more WBCs and more specifically neutrophils are recruited to damaged areas resulting in greater membrane damage by respiratory burst in high responders. This damage can be limited with training by remodelling sarcomeric proteins via calpain activation resulting in the stable assembly of proteins in the sarcomere preventing the release of proteins. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om skeletspier veranderinge wat teweeggebring is deur voor en na afloop van akute pleometriese oefening, te ondersoek. Die studie bestaan uit ‘n akute intervensie en ‘n oefeningsintervensie gedeelte. Die akute intervensie het ondersoek ingestel na die direkte bewyse van ultrastrukturele skade en identifikasie van indirekte faktore meer sigbaar is in proefpersone wat met rhabdomiolose presenteer. Meerso het die oefningsintervensie die moontlikheid dat pleometriese oefening die spier van ultrastrukturele skade en rhabdomiolose beskerm, ondersoek. Tydens die akute intervensie is 26 gesonde ongeoefende individue die akute pleometriese oefeningsessie (10 x 10 hurkspronge, 1 min rus) voltooi. Hierna het 13 proefpersone voortgegaan met die oefeningsintervensie. Agt van hierdie proefpersone het agt weke pleometriese sprongsessie oefeninge voltooi, terwyl vyf proefpersone gevra is om vir 8 weke geen oefeninge te doen nie. Sewe dae na afloop van die finale oefeningssessie het die oefening en kontrole groep in ‘n tweede herhaalde akute pleometriese oefeningsessie deelgeneem. Akute intervensie: kreatienkinase (KK) aktiwiteit het betekenisvol verhoog na die enkel pleometriese oefeningsessie in all proefpersone (basislyn: 129 tot op dag vier: 5348 U/l). Hierdie is vergesel met ‘n toename in die persepsie van pyn, c-reaktiewe proteïen (CRP) ‘n merker van inflammasie sowel as witbloedselle (WBS). Elektronmikrograwe van spierbiopsies wat geneem is drie dae na afloop van die oefeninge, het tekens van ultrastrukturele skade en membraanskade getoon wat ook deur immunofluoresensie duidelik warneembaar was deur die verlies van distrofienverkleuring. ‘n Verrekking van die c-terminus van titin is ook waargeneem deur middel van immunogold. Westernblot analyse het ‘n toename in calpain-3 outolise getoon. Gegrond op individuele KK response (KK grense: 153-71,024 U/L na vier dae post oefening) is 26 proefpersone verdeel in twee groepe naamlik ‘n hoë (n=10) en lae responders (n=16). Oefeningintervensie:: Na oefening het die geoefende groep nie ‘n toename in KK aktiwiteit getoon nie (KK aktiwiteit (110.0 U/l)), pynervaring, CRP, WBS, Z-lynstroming, ‘n strekking van titin of calpain-3 aktivering; terwyl in die kontrole groep daar slegs twee proefpersone met Z-lynstroming geïdentifiseer is. Die resultate wyse daarop dat hoë responders ‘n meer uitgesproke inflammatoriese reaksie toon vergeleke met die lae responders na afloop van essentriese oefening. Daar word dus meer WBS en spesifiek meer neutrofiele na beskadigde areas gelokaliseer wat in grootter membraanskade deur respiratoriese inspanning in die hoë responders. Hierdie skade kan beperk word deur oefening waardeur hermodulering van sarkomeriese proteïene via calpain aktivering tot stabiele rangskiking van proteïene in die sarcomere lei en daardeur proteïen vrystelling verhinder. / The NRF for financial assistance

Background: Rugby injuries are a common phenomenon. The aim of medical professionals is to treat these injuries to the best of their abilities, and if possible, to help prevent their occurrence. Bahr and Holme (2003) argue that sports participation carries with it a risk of injury, with the even more weighty issue that it might later even lead to physical disability. Junge, Cheung, Edwards and Dvorak (2004) recommends the development and implementation of preventative interventions to reduce the rate and severity of injuries in Rugby Union. The Medical and Risk Management Committee of USA Rugby (2003) also reports that the key to preventing injuries in any sport is identifying and addressing the risk factor associated with it. Various studies have identified weakness in plyometric strength, proprioception arid balance as - of lower leg and ankle injuries (Margison, Rowlands, Gleeson arid Eston, 2005; Stasiwpoulos, 2004; Verhagen, Van der Beck, Twisk, Bahr and Mechelen, 2004; Baltaci & Kohl, 2003; Mlophy, Conaoly and Beynnon, 2003; Moss, 2002; Anderson). Aims: ThE aim of this study was to investigate the influence of proprioception, balance and plyometric strength on the occurrence of lower leg injuries in schoolboy rugby players. A further aim was to develop a preventative training programme to address these variables, should they prove to have an influence on lower leg injuries. The possible inclusion of these tests in talent identification test batteries will also be examined. Design: A prospective cohort study. Subjects: A group of 240 schoolboys in U/14, U/15, U/16 and U/18 age groups in two schools (Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom ("Volkskool") and Potchefstroom Boys High School ("Boys High")) in the North West Province of South Africa was used as the test cohort. Method: At the beginning of the 2006 rugby season all players were tested for proprioception, balance and plyometric strength. These tests were conducted using a computerised tilt board for proprioceptive testing; Star Excursion Balance Test for Balance and an electronic timing mat for plyometric strength. During the season, weekly injury clinics were held at both schools to document all injuries that occurred following the preceding weekend's matches. A statistical analysis was done on all the data collected from the test batteries and injury clinics. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation, minimum and maximum) were used as well as practical significant differences (d-values) (Cohen, 1988). The ratios for left and right leg plyometric strength to bilateral plyometric strength (L+R/Bil) and individual left and right leg plyometric strength to bilateral plyometric strength (L/Bil and R/Bil) were also calculated. Results: A profile of proprioception, balance and plyometric strength was compiled for schoolboy rugby players using the test data The U/18 players generally bad the best test results of all the age groups, outperforming U/14, U/15 and U/16 players with most tests. U/15 players outperformed both U/14 and U/16 players. Backline players performed better than loose forwards and forwards in plyometric tests in most age groups. Loose-forwards also outperformed tight-forwards with plyometrics at most age groups. At U/15 and U/16 level, tight-forwards slightly outperformed loose-forwards with Star Excursion Balance Tests. Generally, A-teams performed better than B-teams with all the tests except L+R/Bil; L/Bil and R/BiI. The difference between the teams, however, only had a small to medium effect and cannot be considered practically significant. At U/14 and U/15 levels, there were more practically significant differences between the A- and B-teams, with A-teams outperforming B-teams. The tests could have some value for talent identification at this age level. A rugby epidemiological study was done on the data collected in the weekly injury clinics. This study recorded 54 injuries at the two schools involved during the 2006 season from April to July. Two hundred and forty players were involved in 10890 hours of play. Eight thousand nine hundred and ten of these player hours were practices and 1980 were match hours. These injuries occurred at a prevalence rate of 4.96/1000 player hours. Match injuries accounted for 77.78% of all injuries with training sessions resulting in the remaining 22.22% of injuries, with a match injury rate of 1 injury per individual player every 3.14 matches. U/14 players showed an overall match injury rate of 11.11/1000 match hours. U/15 players showed a rate of 2.47/1000 match hours. The low rate may be attributed to underreporting of injuries by the U/15 players. U/16 players showed a late of 22.33/1000 hours, while U/18 players showed an exceptionally high rate of 45/1000 match hours. The tackle situation was responsible for the highest percentage of injuries (57.14%). Boys High presented with more injuries (57.4%) than Volkskool at a higher prevalence rate (5.60/1000 player hours). In a positional group comparison, backline players presented with 51.85% of injuries. Since backline players only present 46.7% of players in a team, this shows that backline players have a higher risk of injury. A-team players presented with 66.6% of injuries at a prevalence rate of 6.37/1000 player hours. B-team players had an injury rate of 3.43/1000 player hours. The test values for the players suffering lower leg injuries were compared to those for uninjured players. There were eight players with nine lower leg injuries: one player had injuries of both legs. Six of the injuries were intrinsic of nature and two players had extrinsic injuries. Test values for all five tested players with intrinsic injuries were weaker by a high practically significant margin for the L+R/Bil ratio. Conclusion: L+R/Bil proved to be the test result with the most influence on the occurrence of intrinsic lower leg injuries. When the individual test results for the players with intrinsic injuries are compared to the percentiles for all players, it becomes visible that the injured players fall in the 20th percentile for both L+R/Bil and Injured leg/Bil ratios. These 20th percentile values could thus be used as a standard for determining the possible occurrence of intrinsic lower leg injuries. These 20th percentile values are 1.012 for R+L/Bil ratios; 0.483 for L/Bil ratios and 0.492 for R/Bil ratios. This study shows that plyometric ratios for L+R/Bii, L/Bil and R/Bil have an influence on lower leg injuries in schoolboy rugby players. Proprioception and balance did not have any practically significant effects on the occurrence of these injuries. A preventative training programme was also designed following a study of the literature, combined with these results. The tests could also possibly be integrated in talent identification test batteries at U/14 and U/15 level. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Current research examining the effects of resistive exercise programs in children with cerebral palsy (CP) has not met national guidelines for the duration of training. The lack of improvement in gross motor abilities after resistive training may be attributed to insufficient duration. Additionally, plyometric training has not been used as a treatment, despite evidence suggesting that it can improve running, throwing, and jumping skills. The current study evaluated the optimum duration and effects on gross motor abilities of a plyometric training treatment for three participants with spastic, unilateral CP using a multiple baseline, multiple probe design. Treatment was designed using the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s guidelines for intensity, volume, frequency, and variety of training. Treatment resulted in improvements in GMFM 66 scores, agility, and broad jump distance for all three participants. Consistency preceded improvements in distance or height. The optimum duration was dependent on the individual child and the outcome measure. Ongoing training is necessary to maintain running speed. However,slight declines or maintenance of performance in the GMFM, agility, and power tests at follow-up may be attributed to inconsistency in performance rather than decline.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Background: Rugby injuries are a common phenomenon. The aim of medical professionals is to treat these injuries to the best of their abilities, and if possible, to help prevent their occurrence. Bahr and Holme (2003) argue that sports participation carries with it a risk of injury, with the even more weighty issue that it might later even lead to physical disability. Junge, Cheung, Edwards and Dvorak (2004) recommends the development and implementation of preventative interventions to reduce the rate and severity of injuries in Rugby Union. The Medical and Risk Management Committee of USA Rugby (2003) also reports that the key to preventing injuries in any sport is identifying and addressing the risk factor associated with it. Various studies have identified weakness in plyometric strength, proprioception arid balance as - of lower leg and ankle injuries (Margison, Rowlands, Gleeson arid Eston, 2005; Stasiwpoulos, 2004; Verhagen, Van der Beck, Twisk, Bahr and Mechelen, 2004; Baltaci & Kohl, 2003; Mlophy, Conaoly and Beynnon, 2003; Moss, 2002; Anderson). Aims: ThE aim of this study was to investigate the influence of proprioception, balance and plyometric strength on the occurrence of lower leg injuries in schoolboy rugby players. A further aim was to develop a preventative training programme to address these variables, should they prove to have an influence on lower leg injuries. The possible inclusion of these tests in talent identification test batteries will also be examined. Design: A prospective cohort study. Subjects: A group of 240 schoolboys in U/14, U/15, U/16 and U/18 age groups in two schools (Hoër Volkskool Potchefstroom ("Volkskool") and Potchefstroom Boys High School ("Boys High")) in the North West Province of South Africa was used as the test cohort. Method: At the beginning of the 2006 rugby season all players were tested for proprioception, balance and plyometric strength. These tests were conducted using a computerised tilt board for proprioceptive testing; Star Excursion Balance Test for Balance and an electronic timing mat for plyometric strength. During the season, weekly injury clinics were held at both schools to document all injuries that occurred following the preceding weekend's matches. A statistical analysis was done on all the data collected from the test batteries and injury clinics. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation, minimum and maximum) were used as well as practical significant differences (d-values) (Cohen, 1988). The ratios for left and right leg plyometric strength to bilateral plyometric strength (L+R/Bil) and individual left and right leg plyometric strength to bilateral plyometric strength (L/Bil and R/Bil) were also calculated. Results: A profile of proprioception, balance and plyometric strength was compiled for schoolboy rugby players using the test data The U/18 players generally bad the best test results of all the age groups, outperforming U/14, U/15 and U/16 players with most tests. U/15 players outperformed both U/14 and U/16 players. Backline players performed better than loose forwards and forwards in plyometric tests in most age groups. Loose-forwards also outperformed tight-forwards with plyometrics at most age groups. At U/15 and U/16 level, tight-forwards slightly outperformed loose-forwards with Star Excursion Balance Tests. Generally, A-teams performed better than B-teams with all the tests except L+R/Bil; L/Bil and R/BiI. The difference between the teams, however, only had a small to medium effect and cannot be considered practically significant. At U/14 and U/15 levels, there were more practically significant differences between the A- and B-teams, with A-teams outperforming B-teams. The tests could have some value for talent identification at this age level. A rugby epidemiological study was done on the data collected in the weekly injury clinics. This study recorded 54 injuries at the two schools involved during the 2006 season from April to July. Two hundred and forty players were involved in 10890 hours of play. Eight thousand nine hundred and ten of these player hours were practices and 1980 were match hours. These injuries occurred at a prevalence rate of 4.96/1000 player hours. Match injuries accounted for 77.78% of all injuries with training sessions resulting in the remaining 22.22% of injuries, with a match injury rate of 1 injury per individual player every 3.14 matches. U/14 players showed an overall match injury rate of 11.11/1000 match hours. U/15 players showed a rate of 2.47/1000 match hours. The low rate may be attributed to underreporting of injuries by the U/15 players. U/16 players showed a late of 22.33/1000 hours, while U/18 players showed an exceptionally high rate of 45/1000 match hours. The tackle situation was responsible for the highest percentage of injuries (57.14%). Boys High presented with more injuries (57.4%) than Volkskool at a higher prevalence rate (5.60/1000 player hours). In a positional group comparison, backline players presented with 51.85% of injuries. Since backline players only present 46.7% of players in a team, this shows that backline players have a higher risk of injury. A-team players presented with 66.6% of injuries at a prevalence rate of 6.37/1000 player hours. B-team players had an injury rate of 3.43/1000 player hours. The test values for the players suffering lower leg injuries were compared to those for uninjured players. There were eight players with nine lower leg injuries: one player had injuries of both legs. Six of the injuries were intrinsic of nature and two players had extrinsic injuries. Test values for all five tested players with intrinsic injuries were weaker by a high practically significant margin for the L+R/Bil ratio. Conclusion: L+R/Bil proved to be the test result with the most influence on the occurrence of intrinsic lower leg injuries. When the individual test results for the players with intrinsic injuries are compared to the percentiles for all players, it becomes visible that the injured players fall in the 20th percentile for both L+R/Bil and Injured leg/Bil ratios. These 20th percentile values could thus be used as a standard for determining the possible occurrence of intrinsic lower leg injuries. These 20th percentile values are 1.012 for R+L/Bil ratios; 0.483 for L/Bil ratios and 0.492 for R/Bil ratios. This study shows that plyometric ratios for L+R/Bii, L/Bil and R/Bil have an influence on lower leg injuries in schoolboy rugby players. Proprioception and balance did not have any practically significant effects on the occurrence of these injuries. A preventative training programme was also designed following a study of the literature, combined with these results. The tests could also possibly be integrated in talent identification test batteries at U/14 and U/15 level. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007

Background: Jump height, utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) and knee stability is key qualifications and important factors for athletic performance. This is usually practiced with the help of plyometric training. However, plyometric training is considered as an exercise with high-impact that adds stress on the body. Trampoline training is an activity with a growing number of adolescent’s performers, and with the ability to train the same qualities that plyometric training. However, few studies have investigated trampoline trainings effect on jump height, utilization of the SSC and the knee stability in comparison to ordinary plyometric exercises. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether the jump height in a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a squat jump (SJ), the use of SSC and knee stability at landing is different in adolescents who are training using a trampoline and adolescents training using plyometric exercises. Methods: Thirty (n=30) participants, 19 handball players and 11 trampoline practitioners, aged 14-18 years, completed this cross-sectional study. This study involved three tests, a CMJ and a SJ for measuring the jump height and SSCand a double leg drop jump test for measuring the knee stability. Results: The result showed a significant difference in relative jump value between the groups, were the handball group showed a higher value in the CMJ and the SJ compared to the trampoline group. In the utilization of the SSC there were no significant difference between the groups. The result showed that there was a significant difference between the groups knee stability, were the handball group showed a greater knee degrees of varus compared to the trampoline group. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggests that adolescents might benefit from performing plyometric training to achieve a greater jump height and trampoline training to achieve a greater knee stability. Both activities had the same effect on the utilization of theSSC. More studies are needed, including a more homogenous group with larger sample sizes, to support the present results and investigate whether the results are reliable.

Power-generating capacity should be a primary training outcome for football athletes. The ability to be explosive and use high levels of strength seems to differentiate between athletes and teams. Developing training interventions that can improve both strength- and power-generating capacity would therefore be considered a paramount endeavor when attempting to optimize the physiological and performance adaptations necessary for competitive success. Too often, strength and conditioning coaches forget that the foundation of powergenerating capacity is in fact high levels of muscular strength. When the development of strength is minimized or excluded from the training plan, the ability to express high-power outputs is compromised. In addition, a failure to use sequenced and integrated training programs decreases the possibility of successfully increasing strength- and power-generating capacity, thus decreasing the potential for competitive success. Therefore, this brief review attempts to explain how strength- and powergenerating capacity can be enhanced to increase the potential for developing the physiological and performance foundation necessary for competitive success with the football athlete.

Abstract Aim: This study aims to evaluate the physiological effect of periodized specific strength training on young Swedish division 2 basketball players.   Method: 13 male basketball players of 14-21 years of age were assessed before and after a six week specific training intervention of squats, plyometrics and repeated shuttle sprints. The test battery was made up of jump and sprint tests. The jump tests included the Squat jump (SJ), Counter movement jump (CMJa), Drop jump (DJ) 20, 40, 60 cm, five jump for distance test (5JT), weighted jump squats (JS) with 50, 100, 200 % of body weight. Run test battery consisted of the T-test, repeat shuttle sprint ability test (RSSA) and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YY IR1). Seven of the subjects made up the intervention group (IG) and six made up the control group (CG). Both groups participated in their regular sports practice, additionally the IG performed two weekly sessions incorporating specific training.   Results: The IG improved significantly in SJ, CMJa, DJ 20, T-test, RSSA and the YY IR1 (p < 0,05). The CG results decreased in all test parameters except in JS and T-test although the increases in the test results were not found to be significant.   Conclusions: The conclusion to the study was that an intervention of specific training yields positive results in young basketball players. The results garnered from the intervention verify that this type of training may influence in season progress as well as being a time effective training tool for strength and conditioning specialists. / Sammanfattning Syfte: Syftet med studien är att utvärdera de fysiologiska effekterna av en specifik periodiserad styrketräning på unga svenska basketspelare i division 2. Metod: 13 manliga basketspelare mellan 14-21 år gamla testades före och efter en sex veckor lång träningsintervention bestående av knäböj, plyometriska övningar och upprepade sprinter. Testbatteriet bestod av hopp och sprinttester. Hopptesterna bestod av squat jumps (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJa), drop jump (DJ) 20, 40, 60 cm, fem horisontella hopp (5JT), belastad jump squat (JS) med 50, 100, 200 % av kroppens vikt. Testbatteri för sprinterna bestod av T-testet, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA) och Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test nivå 1 (YY IR1). Interventionsgruppen (IG) bestod av sju spelare och kontrollgruppen (CG) utgjordes av sex spelare. Deltagarna i båda grupperna deltog i sina vanliga basketträningar. IG genomförde utöver den vanliga basketträningen två träningar i veckan av specifik träning. Resultat: IG gjorde signifikanta förbättringar (p <0,05) i SJ, CMJa, DJ 20, T-Test, RSSA och YY IR1 mellan för och eftertest. CG resultat minskade i alla testparametrar förutom JS och T-test där förbättringar ej funnits vara signifikanta. Slutsatser: Slutsatsen av studien var att en intervention bestående av specifik träning ger positiva resultat på unga basketspelare. Resultaten från träningsinterventionen verifierar att denna typ av träning kan påverka träningsresultaten positivt under säsongen samt vara ett tidseffektivt träningsredskap för styrke och konditionsspecialister.

This study aimed to investigate the response of trained intercollegiate and national level female athletes to twelve week depth-jump (DJ) training performed twice weekly with forty repetitions of DJs performed each training session. Results of statistical analysis revealed that only the .3 and .5 meter experimental group improved significantly on VJ ability. However, there was no significant increase in LS for either experimental group compared to the control group. It was concluded that DJ training from .3 and .5 meter heights is more optimal for increasing VJ ability of trained female athletes compared to the 0.75 and 1.1 meter heights as recommended by Verhoshanski for trained male athletes. It was also concluded that DJ training has the the ultimate purpose of developing explosive leg power not leg strength.