Effects of high-intensity plyometric training on aerobic capacity, lower-body strength, and body composition in adolescent male volleyball players

Volleyball is a multidirectional sport involving approximately 250–300 explosive actions performed repeatedly during a match. Some of the most frequently performed technical actions include serving, setting, attacking, blocking, jumping, and spiking. Therefore, implementing an appropriate training program is essential to support the improvement of volleyball players' physical performance. This study aims to analyze the effect of high-intensity plyometric training on the physical performance of adolescent male volleyball players. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest group design. The subjects were 24 male volleyball players from State University of Surabaya with the following inclusion criteria: age 20–25 years, body mass index (BMI) 19–23 kg/m², normal blood pressure, normal resting heart rate, normal oxygen saturation, and willingness to sign an informed consent. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the high-intensity plyometric exercise group (GP1; n=12) and the high-intensity plyometric exercise detraining group (GP2; n=12). The training intervention was given with an intensity of 80–90% HRmax, a frequency of three times per week for six weeks. The variables measured included aerobic capacity, maximum lower body strength, and body composition consisting of percentage of body fat, muscle mass, and bone mass using TANITA BC-545N. Data analysis was performed using an independent sample t-test with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that aerobic capacity, maximum lower body strength, muscle mass, and bone mass increased more in the GP1 group than in the GP2 group, and the GP1 group was more effective in reducing the percentage of body fat (p ≤ 0.05). These findings indicate that high-intensity plyometric training is effective in improving the physical performance of adolescent male volleyball players.