THE OPTIMAL TRAINING LOAD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DYNAMIC ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

This study was performed to determine which of three theoretically opt imal resistance training modalities resulted in the greatest enhanceme nt in the performance of a series of dynamic athletic activities. The three training modalities included 1) traditional weight training, 2) plyometric training, and 3) explosive weight training at the load that maximized mechanical power output. Sixty-four previously trained subj ects were randomly allocated to four groups that included the above th ree training modalities and a control group. The experimental groups t rained for 10 wk performing either heavy squat lifts, depth jumps, or weighted squat jumps. All subjects were tested prior to training, afte r 5 wk of training and at the completion of the training period. The t est items included 1) 30-m sprint, 2) vertical jumps performed with an d without a countermovement, 3) maximal cycle test, 4) isokinetic leg extension test, and 5) a maximal isometric test. The experimental grou p which trained with the load that maximized mechanical power achieved the best overall results in enhancing dynamic athletic performance re cording statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements on most test items and producing statistically superior results to the two other t raining modalities on the jumping and isokinetic tests.