Topic

Effects of cluster vs. traditional plyometric training sets on maximal-intensity exercise performance

Aim of this study was to compare the effects of cluster set configuration versus traditional set
configuration on jumping, sprint and agility performance after six weeks of lower body PT.

Identify independent variables and dependent variables

IV : Set of pliometic training ( cluster group and traditional group )

DV : Maximal intensity performance (CMJ, SLJ, agility t-test, 20m sprint, 40m sprint)

Problem statement

This training technique has shown to be very effective for the improvement of jumping, agility, strength,
sprint and balance performance in different periods of athlete's training season. However, how to develop
optimum PT design is not clear.

PT incorporates stretch-shortening cycle muscle action, where energy is stored and muscle spindles are
stimulated during the eccentric loading phase to facilitate power production during the concentric phase
of the action. This training technique has shown to be very effective for the improvement of jumping,
agility, strength, sprint and balance performance in different periods of athlete's training season.

Regarding the latter acute program variable, recently it has been proposed the use of a cluster set
configuration of rest intervals between sets-repetitions during PT sessions to facilitate restoration of the
metabolic and excitatory cellular environment for better management of fatigue during training sessions.
Compared to a traditional set distribution of rest intervals, a cluster distribution usually implicates a
higher number of shorter rest periods between repetitions or between groups of repetitions (sets), but with
similar total training session duration.

Objectives

1. Mengukur keberkesanan kaedah latihan pilometrik terhadap prestasi countermovement jump sebelum
dan selepas latihan intevensi dijalankan keatas kumpulan kluster dan tradisional.
2. Mengukur keberkesanan kaedah latihan pilometrik terhadap prestasi standing long jump sebelum dan
selepas latihan intevensi dijalankan keatas kumpulan kluster dan tradisional.

3. Mengukur keberkesanan kaedah latihan pilometrik terhadap prestasi agility t-test sebelum dan selepas
latihan intevensi dijalankan keatas kumpulan kluster dan tradisional.

4. Mengukur keberkesanan kaedah latihan pilometrik terhadap prestasi 20-m sprint sebelum dan selepas
latihan intevensi dijalankan keatas kumpulan kluster dan tradisional.

5. Mengukur keberkesanan kaedah latihan pilometrik terhadap prestasi 40-m sprint test sebelum dan
selepas latihan intevensi dijalankan keatas kumpulan kluster dan tradisional.

Hypothesis

H0 : There is significant relationship plyometric training (PT) between cluster and traditional set on
countermovement jump performance.

H1 : There is significant relationship plyometric training (PT) between cluster and traditional group set on
standing long jump performance.

H2 : There is significant relationship plyometric training (PT) between cluster and traditional group set on
agility t-test performance.

H3 : There is significant relationship plyometric training (PT) between cluster and traditional group set on
20-m sprint performance.

H4 : There is significant relationship plyometric training (PT) between cluster and traditional group set
on 40-m sprint performance.

Research Question

1. Adakah terdapat hubungan antara set latihan pliometric (PT) kluster dan tradisional terhadap prestasi
countermovement jump.

2. Adakah terdapat hubungan antara set latihan pliometric (PT) kluster dan tradisional terhadap prestasi
standing long jump.

3. Adakah terdapat hubungan antara set latihan plyometric (PT) kluster dan tradisional terhadap prestasi
agility t-test.

4. Adakah terdapat hubungan antara set latihan plyometric (PT) kluster dan tradisional terhadap prestasi
20m sprint.

5. Adakah terdapat hubungan antara set latihan plyometric (PT) kluster dan tradisional terhadap prestasi
40m sprint.
Statistical analysis

Descriptive statistics (mean + - SD) were reported for all dependent variables. The intraclass correlation
coefficient (ICC) was used to determine the reliability of the measurements.A 2 x 2 analysis of variance
was used to analyze CMJ, SLJ, t test, and sprint measurement data. Effect sizes (ESs) were also
calculated using Cohen's d. Threshold values for assessing magnitudes of ES were 0.20, 0.60, 1.2 and 2.0
for small, moderate, large and very large, respectively [20]. Significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Identify threats to internal and external validity

Internal Validity
History:

- The participants were familiar with PT and stretch-shortening cycle training, but did not perform
this form of training at least six months prior to inclusion in this study.

- All candidate were thoroughly screen by a physician, including the assessment of orthopedic and
other conditions that might preclude participation in the study.

- Participants were instructed to maintain their normal daily physical activities and dietary habits
throughout the 6-week intervention period, avoiding additional forms of strength or conditioning
training.

Mortality:
- The subjects were free to withdraw from the study without penalty at any time.

External Validity

Multiple-treatment inference
- The design of optimum PT programs requires the control of training level, type of surface, type of
exercises, program duration, volume (sets, repetitions, load), intensity, rest interval between
training sessions and between-sets repetitions.

2) How are the threats being addressed by the author(s) of the article?