Comparison Between Unilateral and Bilateral Plyometric Training on Single- and Double-Leg Jumping Performance and Strength

This study compared the effects of unilateral and bilateral plyometric training on single- and double-leg jumping performance, maximal strength, and rate of force development (RFD). Fifteen moderately trained subjects were randomly assigned to either a unilateral (U, n = 7) or bilateral group (B, n = 8). Both groups performed maximal effort plyometric leg exercises 2 times per week for 6 weeks. The B group performed all exercises with both legs, whereas the U group performed half the repetitions with each leg, so that total exercise volume was the same. Jumping performance was assessed by countermovement jumps (CMJs) and drop jumps (DJs), whereas maximal isometric leg press strength and RFD were measured before and after training for each leg separately and both legs together. Countermovement jump improvement with both legs was not significantly different between U (12.1 ± 7.2%) and B (11.0 ± 5.5%) groups. However, the sum of right- and left-leg CMJ only improved in the U group (19.0 ± 7.1%, p
Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research - Category: Sports Medicine Tags: Original Research Source Type: research