The effect of an explosive strength training program and a combination training program on a battery of dynamic athletic performance tests

• Main Author: Hansen, Nate J
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Kinesiology; Physiology
• ISBN: 1109392400; 9781109392401

Purpose. This study was designed to investigate the effects of two eight-week resistance training programs, comparing the different regimens to determine which would produce the best results on a battery of dynamic athletic performance tests. We hypothesized that the combination training modality would elicit greater improvements in the testing due to a more complete range of training components. Methods. Twenty Division I collegiate wrestlers were randomly divided into two training groups: an Explosive group and a Combination training group. Each group trained 3 days each week for twenty-two training sessions with their respective programs. The Explosive group utilized elastic resistance while squatting and bench pressing, as well as different plyometric exercises such as lateral bounds and box jumps. Similarly, the Combination group completed squats and bench presses, but without the use of rubber bands. Other exercises included: the jump squat, power clean, plyo press, lunges, bounds, box jumps, pull-ups, push-ups, shoulder press, and rowing exercises. Variables included in pre and post-testing were: height, weight, body composition via the BodPod, vertical jump, double-leg Plyo Press Power Quotient (3PQ), one-lift maximum (1LM) power clean, 1LM squat, 1LM bench press, and pull-ups to fatigue. Results. No significant changes in anthropometric values were found. There was a significant difference (p=0.02) between the Combination and Explosive group’s improvement in pull-ups over the 8 weeks. The Combination group averaged 7.2 more pull-ups in their post-test values, while the Explosive group only averaged 3.5 more. Also, the difference between post-test power clean max was near significant (p=0.10) when the Combination group gained an average of 10.0 kg and the Explosive group improved by 4.4 kg on average. All other strength and power tests revealed significant gains within each group, but no between-group differences observed. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that the combination training modality has a greater effect on upper body muscular endurance than that of an explosive-dynamic modality.