A Randomized Crossover Study on Diverse Training Methods to Enhance University Athletes' Performance and Health

NCT06546605 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: HE-0151-2024
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

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:

1. 1.Which training modality (plyometric, functional, or WB-EMS) leads to the greatest improvements in athletic performance measures such as power, speed, and agility?
2. 2.How do these training modalities compare in terms of their effects on overall health, injury risk reduction, and psychological well-being?
3. 3.Be randomly assigned to one of four training sequences, each consisting of two 8-week intervention periods separated by a 4-week washout phase;
4. 4.Experience at least two of the three training modalities (plyometric, functional, or WB-EMS) during the intervention periods;
5. 5.Maintain their regular training routines if assigned to the control group;
6. 6.Undergo assessments, including anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, and questionnaires, at baseline, after each intervention period, and during a follow-up session.

Conditions

Athletic Performance; Plyometric Exercise; Healthy

Keywords

Plyometric Training; Functional Training; Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS); Injury Prevention; Randomized Crossover Study; Athletic Performance; Functional Movement Skills

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Squat Jump (SJ) Test

  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.

  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）

• Countermovement Jump（CMJ）

  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.

  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）

• Running Jump Off Test

  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.

  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）

• Modified 505 Change of Direction Test

  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.

  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）

• Sprint 4 × 5 m Test

  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.

  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）

• Modified Agility T-Test (MAT)

  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.

  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）

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• 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）

• 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）

• 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）

• 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）

Study Arms (4)

Plyometric Training to WB-EMS Training Group (PTG-ETG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the PTG-ETG will undergo a progressive plyometric training program in the first 8-week intervention period, followed by a WB-EMS training program in the second 8-week intervention period after the crossover. The plyometric training will include exercises such as box jumps, depth jumps, split squat jumps, and single-leg hops to enhance lower extremity power, speed, and agility. After the crossover, participants will engage in a WB-EMS training program that combines dynamic exercises with concurrent electrical stimulation using the miha bodytec® device. Each WB-EMS session will consist of a warm-up followed by 4-6 exercises lasting 4-6 seconds each, with 4 seconds of rest between exercises. The intensity of the electrical stimulation will be set at 70-85% of the participant's maximal comfort level and adjusted based on individual tolerance. The WB-EMS training will be performed twice a week for 20-25 minutes per session during the second intervention period.

Device: Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS) Training; Behavioral: Plyometric Training

Functional Training to Plyometric Training Group (FTG-PTG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the FTG-PTG will engage in a functional training program tailored to their specific sport in the first 8-week intervention period, followed by a progressive plyometric training program in the second 8-week intervention period after the crossover. The functional training will incorporate sport-specific movements, such as multidirectional lunges, rotational medicine ball throws, and single-leg balance drills. After the crossover, participants will undergo a progressive plyometric training program designed to enhance their lower extremity power, speed, and agility. The program will include a variety of plyometric exercises such as box jumps, depth jumps, split squat jumps, and single-leg hops. Each session will begin with a dynamic warm-up, then proceed to the main exercise, and then cool down with stretching.

Behavioral: Plyometric Training; Behavioral: Functional Training

WB-EMS Training to Functional Training Group (ETG-FTG)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in the ETG will participate in a training program that combines dynamic exercises with concurrent WB-EMS. The WB-EMS device (miha bodytec®, Augsburg, Germany) will be used to apply electrical stimulation to major muscle groups while participants perform exercises such as squats, lunges, and trunk rotations. Each session will consist of a warm-up followed by 4-6 WB-EMS exercises lasting 4-6 seconds each, with 4 seconds of rest between exercises. The intensity of the electrical stimulation will be set at 70-85% of the participant's maximal comfort level and adjusted based on individual tolerance. The WB-EMS training will be performed twice a week for 20-25 minutes per session. After the crossover, participants will engage in a functional training program that simulates game-specific movements, such as multidirectional lunges, rotational medicine ball throws, and single-leg balance drills.The program will also include core stability and injury prevention exercises.

Device: Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS) Training; Behavioral: Functional Training

Control Group (CG)

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the CG will maintain their usual team training routines and practices throughout the study period, without receiving any additional training interventions. They will serve as a reference to compare the effects of the plyometric, functional, and WB-EMS training programs on athletic performance and health-related outcomes. Participants in this group will undergo all scheduled assessments at baseline, after each 8-week intervention period, and during the follow-up to track changes in their performance and health status over time. The control group will help determine the extent to which changes in the intervention groups can be attributed to the specific training programs, rather than other factors such as natural progression or regular team training.

Interventions

Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS) Training DEVICE

Whole-Body Electrical Muscle Stimulation (WB-EMS) Training is a novel training modality that involves the simultaneous electrical stimulation of multiple muscle groups while performing dynamic exercises. Participants in the WB-EMS Training Group will use the miha bodytec device (Augsburg, Germany), which consists of a special suit with integrated electrodes covering major muscle groups. The device generates electrical impulses (85 Hz, 350 μs) that cause involuntary muscle contractions during exercises like squats, lunges, and trunk rotations.Each 20-25-minute WB-EMS session will be conducted twice a week during the two 8-week intervention periods. Sessions will include a warm-up followed by 4-6 WB-EMS exercises performed for 4-6 seconds each, with 4 seconds of rest between exercises. The intensity of the stimulation and exercises will be progressively increased based on individual adaptation and tolerance, with the stimulation intensity set at 70-85% of the maximal tolerable level.

Also known as: Electrical Myostimulation (EMS) Training, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Training, Full-Body Electromyostimulation Training

Plyometric Training to WB-EMS Training Group (PTG-ETG); WB-EMS Training to Functional Training Group (ETG-FTG)

Plyometric Training BEHAVIORAL

Plyometric Training is a high-intensity, explosive strength training modality that involves quick, powerful movements designed to increase muscle power, speed, and agility. Participants in the Plyometric Training Group will engage in a progressive plyometric training program that emphasizes eccentric muscle loading followed by rapid concentric contractions. The plyometric exercises will include various types of jumps, hops, and bounds, such as box jumps, depth jumps, split squat jumps, and single-leg hops. Each training session will begin with a dynamic warm-up, followed by 4-6 plyometric drills performed for 3-5 sets of 8-12 repetitions, with 60-90 seconds of rest between sets. The intensity and volume of the exercises will be gradually increased over the two 8-week intervention periods.

Also known as: Reactive Strength Training, Stretch-Shortening Cycle Training

Functional Training to Plyometric Training Group (FTG-PTG); Plyometric Training to WB-EMS Training Group (PTG-ETG)

Functional Training BEHAVIORAL

Functional Training is a training approach that focuses on exercises that simulate the demands of specific sports or daily activities, targeting multiple muscle groups and movement patterns simultaneously. Participants in the Functional Training Group will engage in a tailored functional training program designed to enhance their performance in basketball or volleyball. The functional training exercises will incorporate multi-joint, multi-planar movements that mimic game-specific actions, such as multidirectional lunges, rotational medicine ball throws, and single-leg balance drills. Each session will start with a dynamic warm-up, followed by 6-8 functional exercises performed for 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions, with 60 seconds of rest between sets. The program will also include core stability and injury prevention exercises.

Also known as: Movement-Based Training, Sport-Specific Training

Functional Training to Plyometric Training Group (FTG-PTG); WB-EMS Training to Functional Training Group (ETG-FTG)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 30 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Macau: lead

Study Sites (2)

UM Sports Complex (N8) , Avenida da Universidade Taipa, Macau, China

Macao, Macau

RECRUITING

University of Macau

Taipa, Macau

NOT YET RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Emergency Treatment; Plyometric Exercise

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Therapeutics; Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Central Study Contacts

BoYuan XIE, Master

CONTACT

＋853 6852 1321; bennyxie0406@gmail.com

SiMan LEI, Doctoral

CONTACT

alicelei@um.edu.mo

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: CROSSOVER
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 6, 2024
• First Posted: August 9, 2024
• Study Start: October 10, 2024
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 3, 2029
• Last Updated: May 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2024-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

MA (2)