Effects of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance in male and female soccer players

In a randomised controlled trial design, effects of 6weeks of plyometric training on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance performance were compared in male and female soccer players. Young (age 21.1 +/- 2.7years) players with similar training load and competitive background were assigned to training (women, n=19; men, n=21) and control (women, n=19; men, n=21) groups. Players were evaluated for lower- and upper-body maximal-intensity exercise, 30m sprint, change of direction speed and endurance performance before and after 6weeks of training. After intervention, the control groups did not change, whereas both training groups improved jumps (effect size (ES)=0.35-1.76), throwing (ES=0.62-0.78), sprint (ES=0.86-1.44), change of direction speed (ES=0.46-0.85) and endurance performance (ES=0.42-0.62). There were no differences in performance improvements between the plyometric training groups. Both plyometric groups improved more in all performance tests than the controls. The results suggest that adaptations to plyometric training do not differ between men and women.