Does Plyometric Exercise Improve Jumping Performance in Volleyball Athletes? An Overview of Systematic Reviews

Abstract

Plyometric training is frequently used to improve the jumping performance of volleyball players. The aim of the present study was to synthesize the results of different systematic reviews that investigated the effects of plyometric training on the jumping performance of volleyball players. Systematic research was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, looking for systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two authors using AMSTAR. Four systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis, representing 983 volleyball players, 541 women and 314 men (128 were not declared). In summary, the studies lasted from 2 to 26 weeks of intervention, weekly frequency between 1-3, 1-6 sets, 1-25 repetitions and between 1-9 exercises per training session. AMSTAR indicated two studies with low quality of evidence, one moderate and one with high quality. The vertical jump was the main skill assessed in plyometric training interventions compared to the horizontal jump. According to the evidence, plyometric training had a positive effect on the vertical jump performance and on the maintenance of horizontal jumps of volleyball athletes. Further studies should look at mechanisms that lead to improvements in horizontal jump, and plyometric training programs should possibly include more horizontal jump exercises to optimize this skill.