A comparison of the effects of plyometric and virtual training on physical and functional performance: a randomized, controlled, clinical trial

• Published in: The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness Vol. 61; no. 1; p. 27
• Main Authors: Lobato, Daniel F, Teixeira, Vitória A, Froes, Isabelle, Donzeli, Marina A, Bertoncello, Dernival
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Exercise; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Strength; Physical Examination; Physical Fitness; Physical Functional Performance; Plyometric Exercise - methods; Prospective Studies
• ISSN: 1827-1928
• DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.20.10882-X

This study compared the effects of plyometric training (PT) and virtual training (VT) on physical and functional performance. Fifty-five moderately-trained women participated in this randomized, controlled, prospective study. The subjects were randomly assigned to VT (N.=20), PT (N.=18), and control (CG, N.=17) groups. The VT was performed using the Your Body Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 exergame in an Xbox360/Kinetic environment. The PT was based on the methods used in previous studies. Both interventions were performed 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Participants in the CG were not submitted to any type of intervention. Physical performance (fitness and athleticism levels) was assessed using the Nike+ Kinetic Training exergame in an Xbox360/Kinetic environment. Functional performance was assessed using the shuttle run (SR), triple hop test (THT), and six-meter timed hop test (STHT). Postintervention fitness and athleticism levels were significantly greater in VT (P<0.001 and P=0.009) and in PT (P<0.001 and P=0.003) than baselines values. Only VT postintervention fitness level was significantly greater compared to CG (P=0.03). Postintervention SR values were significantly lower than baselines values in all groups (P<0.001). VT (P=0.08) and PT (P=0.006) postintervention values were significantly lower compared to CG. Postintervention THT values were significantly greater than baselines values in VT and PT (P<0.001). VT (P=0.04 - dominant limb) and PT (P=0.003 - dominant limb; and P=0.03 - non-dominant limb) postintervention values were significantly greater compared to CG. Postintervention STHT values were significantly lower than baselines values in VT (P<0.001), PT (P<0.001) and CG (P=0.01-0.02). PT postintervention dominant (P=0.01) and non-dominant (P=0.03) limb values were significantly lower compared to CG. Both VT and PT are beneficial for improving physical and functional performance. Therefore, VT might be a new tool that can be used for physical exercise practice and conditioning training in moderately-trained women.