Evaluating the Effects of Diverse Training Methods on Athletic Performance and Health: A Randomized Crossover Study
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Athletic Performance
- Sponsor
- University of Macau
- Enrollment
- 120
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Modified Agility T-Test (MAT)
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 11 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The goal of this randomized crossover study is to investigate the effects of plyometric training, functional training, and whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) on athletic performance and health in university basketball and volleyball players. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Which training modality (plyometric, functional, or WB-EMS) leads to the greatest improvements in athletic performance measures such as power, speed, and agility?
- How do these training modalities compare in terms of their effects on overall health, injury risk reduction, and psychological well-being?
Researchers will use a crossover design, where each participant experiences multiple training modalities in a sequential manner, to provide a more rigorous and comprehensive evaluation of the interventions' effectiveness.
Participants will:
- Be randomly assigned to one of four training sequences, each consisting of two 8-week intervention periods separated by a 4-week washout phase;
- Experience at least two of the three training modalities (plyometric, functional, or WB-EMS) during the intervention periods;
- Maintain their regular training routines if assigned to the control group;
- Undergo assessments, including anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, and questionnaires, at baseline, after each intervention period, and during a follow-up session.
The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the optimal sequencing and combination of training modalities to maximize athletic performance and promote health among university basketball and volleyball players.
Detailed Description
Background: Enhancing athletic performance and reducing injury risk require effective training techniques. University athletes, often practicing only 2-3 times a week, need support to reach optimal fitness. This study examines the effects of plyometric, functional, and WB-EMS training on the health and performance of collegiate basketball and volleyball players. Objective: The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of these training modalities in improving athletic performance metrics such as strength, speed, agility, and endurance. Secondary aims include determining their influence on recovery and injury prevention and exploring potential differences in response among athletes from different sports disciplines. Study Design: This is a randomized crossover study. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of four groups: plyometric training, WB-EMS training, functional training, or control group. The intervention will consist of two 8-week training periods separated by a 4-week washout period. Participants: 120 male and female basketball and volleyball players aged 18-30 from University teams in Macau will be recruited. They should have at least 3-4 years of competitive experience in their respective sports. Interventions: The plyometric group will focus on explosive movements and jumps. The WB-EMS group will perform exercises while receiving electrical stimulation. The functional training group will engage in sport-specific exercises. The control group will maintain their regular training. Each session will include a warm-up, specific exercises, and a cool-down. Outcome Measures: Participants will undergo assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. These include anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests (e.g., Y-Balance Test, FMS, 1RM half-squat, leg muscle volume, vertical jump, agility, sprint), and questionnaires (e.g., ERQ, PSQI, SES, SWLS). Statistical Analysis: Mixed-design ANOVA or ANCOVA will compare the effects across time points. Post-hoc tests will determine specific differences between groups and time points. Significance will be set at p value smaller than 0.05.
Investigators
Siman Lei
Assistant Professor
University of Macau
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Team Membership: Participants must be officially registered members of the Macau universities' 's men's and women's basketball or volleyball teams.
- •Age Range: Participants must be aged between 18 and 30 years.
- •Health Status: Participants should be in good health, free from any chronic diseases, serious health conditions, or contraindications that could impair their athletic performance, preclude their safe participation in the study, or present undue risks when exposed to WB-EMS. Participants must provide informed consent and be willing to undergo WB-EMS training after being fully apprised of the potential risks and benefits.
- •Commitment: Participants must be able to engage fully in the intervention period and all associated assessments.
- •Experience: Participants are required to have a minimum of three to four years of competitive basketball or volleyball experience.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Unable to provide informed consent.
- •Unwillingness to be allocated to one of the four groups.
- •Have suffered a lower extremity injury or required surgery within the past 6 months.
- •Have undergone electrical stimulation training for the previous six months.
- •Have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular or neurological disease or abnormality.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Modified Agility T-Test (MAT)
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）
The Modified Agility T-Test (MAT), developed by Radhouane et al., is based on the traditional T-test and aims to assess an athlete's ability to quickly change direction, including forward sprinting, lateral shuffling, and backward movement. MAT adjusts the spatial layout of the original T-test, reducing the total running distance from 36.56 meters to 20 meters while maintaining the same types of movements and number of direction changes, adapting to space-constrained environments. Each athlete performs three attempts, with the fastest completion time (s) recorded using precise timing equipment. A two-minute rest period is provided between each trial. The test has high reliability with an ICC ranging from 0.82 to 0.96 and is highly correlated with the standard T-test, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.92, effectively differentiating athletes' agility performance.
Running Jump Off Test
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）
The running jump off test requires participants to first stand directly beneath the apparatus, with their feet flat on the ground and one arm extended upwards to measure their standing reach height. The subject then stands approximately 15 feet (about 5 meters) from the base of the apparatus. In preparation for the jump, they take 3 to 5 steps, then take off from both legs (or a single leg, depending on the specific requirements of the test), using their arms to help propel their body upwards. The goal is to have the body positioned directly beneath the apparatus at the peak of the jump, with arms fully extended, which may require some practice to perfect the timing and takeoff point. The difference between the standing reach height and the highest point touched during the jump is recorded, with the best result (cm) from three attempts being noted. The vertical jump apparatus is used, demonstrating good reliability with an ICC ranging from 0.90 to 0.96.
Sprint 4 × 5 m Test
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）
The setup requires 5 cones placed 5m apart. The subject stands with feet apart, straddling a cone between their legs. Upon hearing an auditory signal, they run 5 meters to point A; then turn 90° to the right and run 5 meters to point B. After the second 90° turn, they run to point C, where they make a 180° turn and run to the finish line. Each athlete performs three attempts, with the fastest completion time (s) recorded using precise timing equipment. A two-minute rest period is provided between each trial. This test demonstrates good reliability with an ICC ranging from 0.88 to 0.91.
Squat Jump (SJ) Test
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）
The squat jump is a performance test used to measure the explosive power of an athlete's lower extremities, particularly focusing on the ability to generate force from a static position. Participants begin by standing with their feet shoulder-width apart, then descend into a squat position until their thighs are parallel to the ground. From this static squat position, they explosively jump as high as possible without the assistance of arm movement. This test typically involves performing two jumps, with a 45-second rest interval between jumps. The highest jump (cm) from the two attempts is recorded. A three-dimensional force platform, the Just Jump system NO101 (Probotics Inc.), is commonly used to measure and collect height data during the jumping process. The test is significantly correlated with explosive power and athletic performance, demonstrating excellent reliability with an intra-session ICC of 0.97 and an inter-session ICC of 0.94.
Countermovement Jump（CMJ）
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）
Participants are required to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointing outwards, and hands placed on their hips to prevent arm movement, allowing for an accurate assessment of lower extremity explosive power. At the start of the test, participants rapidly bend their knees, lowering their center of gravity until their knees reach approximately a 90-degree angle, then quickly extend their knee, hip, and ankle joints, jumping upwards with maximum effort. Each movement is performed twice, with a 45-second rest interval between jumps. The best jump height data (cm) is recorded. Jump height data during the jumping process is collected using a three-dimensional force platform NO101 (Just Jump, Probotics Inc.). The CMJ is a widely used and validated method for assessing jumping ability and explosive power, demonstrating good reliability and validity with an intra-session ICC of 0.95 and an inter-session ICC of 0.93.
Modified 505 Change of Direction Test
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）
The 505 Change of Direction (COD) test, performed from a stationary start, evaluates an athlete's ability to execute a rapid 180° turn within a 5-meter distance. The athlete begins the test from a standing position, placing their preferred foot half a meter behind the starting line and using this foot as the turning pivot. Each athlete performs three attempts, with the fastest completion time (s) recorded using precise timing equipment. A two-minute rest period is provided between each trial. According to the definition by Nimphius et al., the change of direction deficit (CODDEF) for the 505 test is determined using the following formula: CODDEF = (Modified 505 test time - 10-meter sprint time). This test demonstrates good reliability with an ICC of 0.87 and is highly correlated with the standard 505 test, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.87.
Secondary Outcomes
- Functional Movement Screening (FMS)(From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）)
- Y balance test (YBT)(From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）)
- Self-Efficacy Scale (SES)(From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）)
- Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ)(From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）)
- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)(From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8 weeks for phase 2）)
- Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)(From enrollment to the end of intervention at 20 weeks（8 weeks for phase 1,4 weeks for wash out and 8weeks for phase 2）)